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I ssued in aConveni e nt F or m For the Pocke t, 

Vol. i. No. 105. Jan. 21, 1884. Subscription $30. 


Entered at tlie post office N. Y. as Pecond-Olass Matter. 
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AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


BY EVELYN 



GRAY. 


Entered according to Act of Congress , in the year 1884, by Nor- 
man L. Munro, in the office of the Librarian of 
Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



NORMAN L. MUNRO, PUBLISHER, 

24 & 26 VANDKWATER ST, 



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AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT, 


BY EVELYN GRAY. 


A PROLOGUE. 

WHO WAS SHE ? 

It was an hour past midnight, some twelve years ago, 
that our story opens, or rather that its prologue is pre- 
sented. The hum of the busy city had long since become 
hushed, labor and honesty were asleep, while dark browed 
roguery donned its mask and crept forth in search of prey. 

Revelry and dissipation were awake, bright lights shone 
where bright eyes vied with them, and music filled many 
a hall, gushing beyond their bounds, out upon the mid- 
night air. 

Pedestrians were few upon the streets, but some were 
staggering to homes they had disgraced, while others 
stumbled along, disgraced beyond possessing any homes 
at all. The rumbling of the lazy horse cars, and the 
tinkle of their monotonous bells, together with the sharp 
rattle of the night carriages over the pavements as they 
flew here and there with their belated freight, constituted 
the principal features of this gas-lit panorama. 

The theaters had long since emptied themselves, and 
only the lower and wilder places of entertainment and re- 
sort still held their devotees. 

The hour was as hushed as any hours are in the great 


2 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


and throbbing metropolis of New. York — a city where so 
many turn night into day, and run to riot hours intended 
for repose. Fashion plumed her gaudiest robes, for her 
devotees shine brighter under gas jets, and paste can 
scarcely be distinguished from real diamonds. 

The city clocks had just chimed one, with a dull, melan- 
choly boom, which seemed but a spasmodic pulse in the 
breast of night, when a hack might have been seen speed- 
ing on to reach the South Ferry on the Brooklyn side, ere 
the boat left its mooring, for the driver well knew the 
weary waiting there would be at that hour, if he missed 
this boat, ere a second would arrive. “ Just in time ” (as 
the boat loosed her moorings immediately the last wheels 
of the carriage struck the floor), thought the man of the 
whip, an ordinary Jehu, a genuine coachee, one of those 
close-mouthed, low-browed, hard-hearted men, who never 
ask a question, or hear a word beyond what they know 
pertains to the filling of their own pockets. 

The round moon now and then glowed upon the scene 
as the sea breezes lifted away the silvered masses of vapor 
which floated upon it, and by its light an observer might 
have seen that the carriage was dust covered and the 
horses flecked with foam, giving evidence of travel over 
country roads. 

And what of the occupants ? The curtains were partially 
drawn, and only the outlines of a figure could be seen in 
the dim, uncertain light. 

The Battery and New York were soon reached. The 
horses seemed jaded and almost inclined to linger on the 
boat, which they unquestionably would have done, had 
not the dreaded lash been held over them and applied as 
their speed lessened. 

The carriage struck the pavement, and the jolting rat- 
tled off the dust, and the lights from the streets, as they 
gleamed in at the windows, lighted up the interior, and 
brought out in strange relief the hitherto uncertain fig- 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


ure, which proved to be a young girl. She seemed too 
impatient to rest back upon the cushions, but leaning for- 
ward, was looking nervously from side to side, as if to 
assure herself of the locality. 

On the seat in front of her lay a bundle, toward which 
she every now and then cast anxious glances, when not 
looking still more anxiously at the corner lamps which 
should assure her of the progress they were making. 

The tall buildings on Broadway loomed up against the 
moonbeams. Wall street, gloomy, dark, and vault-like in 
its midnight slumber, bore to the right. The girl breathed 
freer as the carriage carried her on in sight of familiar 
landmarks ; St. Paul’s Church and City Hall were rapidly 
passed, and then, certain of her surroundings, she drew 
a long breath of relief, and leaning forward, almost 
touched the bundle in front of her; but drawing back, a 
cold, mocking smile passed over her features, as if 
abashed at her momentary weakness. 

She was not a beautiful girl — neither was she homely. 
There were times when her features seemed lighted with 
actual beauty, but there was a hard, steely glitter in her 
dark-grey eyes which turned her other beauty completely 
into a chilly shade, and made the beholder turn away with 
something akin to a shudder. 

She was, in fact, one of those creatures who are en- 
dowed with a strange power to make the opposite sex love 
them — to be able to appear all sunshine, all tenderness, 
or to repel and freeze, as the whim may seize them. 

There were lines of firmness, too, which only augmented 
the cold glitter of those eyes, and betokened a will to do 
and dare, scarcely ever seen in one so young. She ap- 
peared to be possessed of two opposite natures, either 
of which could command according to circumstances. 
She was evidently disguised for her work, as the sparkle of 
rare gems upon her ungloved hands, accorded illy with her 
plain, cheap suit and hat, which she wore so ungracefully. 


4 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


On — on rattled the carriage, past Union and Madison 
Squares, and a sudden turning in Twenty-fourth street 
soon brought them to a corner of Lexington avenue, where 
it suddenly halted before the door of an unpretending 
mansion. The windows of the second floor were dimly 
lighted. As the carriage drew up, the curtain of one was 
partially drawn aside, and the figure of a hard-featured 
woman was momentarily displayed, and then the curtain 
again resumed its place. 

“ Is this the number?” asked the girl, of the driver, as 
she threw open the door of the carriage. 

“ It is. I know it well,” he replied. 

Without another word she leaped from the carriage, and 
reaching back, hesitatingly, she drew forth the bundle. 

‘ ‘ Will I have long to. wait, ma’am?” asked the driver, 
as she turned toward the house. 

“ But a few moments,” she replied, glancing up and 
down the street, and then going to the door of the house. 

“ Only a few minutes,” growled the knight of the whip, 
as he threw the blankets over the steaming horses. “ A 
woman’s ■ few minutes I think I have time enough on 
hand to get a lunch, at all events,” he muttered. 

The girl with the odd-looking bundle was on the point 
of ringing the bell, when the door was suddenly and noise- 
lessly opened by the same woman who had appeared at 
the window above, and without exchanging a single word, 
she led the way to her room. 

“ I expected you,” said she, the first to break the 
silence, after closing the door of her private room. 

“ Indeed; so you are not disappointed. Are we alone ?” 

** There is not a soul about, save ourselves.” 

The girl looked about the room suspiciously, as though 
she did not believe it, or at least, as though she would like 
to try the doors to make sure of it., 

” Have you the baby with you ?” asked Madame Marsh, 
for such was the name her patrons knew her by. 


A8 FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


5 


The girl looked at her a moment with an anguishing 
glitter in her eyes, which seemed to enter the woman’s 
very soul. But she was too old a bird to be frightened, 
or in the least unsettled by inquisitive looks. 

“ Why do you look so strange ? I am the same woman 
whom you met day before yesterday.” 

“ Yes, I remember. Excuse me, I am a trifle confused. 
Yes, I have the baby with me,” she said, placing the 
bundle, which she still held, upon the centre-table, care- 
lessly, and with almost a sigh of relief at the relinquishing 
of her burden. 

“ Goodness me ! you don’t tell me you have it done up 
in that bundle ? Why, you have smothered it!” 

The girl started just a little, but suddenly recovering 
herself, with a look which betokened how little she would 
have cared had such been the actual fact. 

“ No, I guess not,” she replied, coolly. “ I gave it a 
large quantity of paregoric before starting.” 

“ Mercy me ! if the poor little thing is alive it will be a 
wonder!” and they both began untying the bundle. 

This was accomplished with some little labor, for it had 
evidently been tied up as a warrant that no eyes should 
know its contents. But at length the silken cords were 
unloosed, and the folds of soft cashmere removed, the 
light fell upon a sweet, little, sleeping girl-baby, still un- 
der the influence of the opiate, but unharmed, and breath- 
ing regularly, as if reclining next the bosom of her who 
gave it birth. 

“Law me! who but a mother could have been so care- 
ful, when seemingly so careless?” 

The girl colored, frowned, but made no reply. 

“And you tell me the child is honestly born ?” asked the 
old woman, turning quickly upon her visitor. 

*Nowise abashed, she answered: “She is; her parents 
were legally married, but foolishly, unadvisedly, and now 
pnhappily.” 


6 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


“ Poor girl; I pity you!” 

“Pity me 1" demanded she, turning her glittering grey 
eyes upon her. 

“ Why — y-e-s — you don’t deny but that you are the 
mother of the child, do you ?” 

“ That, Madame Marsh, does not concern you. You 
promised to take the child I should bring and adopt it into 
a respectable family. Who or what it is must never be 
known. Its father is in a foreign land. He and his wife 
destroyed all traces and proofs of their school-boy and 
school-girl marriage, and have agreed to become utter 
strangers. Therefore do you not see it’s better for the 
child to be an utter stranger to itself, except what it may 
learn from its future parents — adopted, if they choose it 
shall" know them to be ?” 

“You are right, quite right, miss ?” she looked at the 
girl inquiringly, but no name came by way of answer, and 
stooping to the angel-faced infant she kissed it softly, and 
whispered: “Beautiful cherub! you shall be cared for.” 

“ And trusting everything to your care, here is the sum 
of money agreed upon, the other day.” 

“ Well,” spoke madame, half sorrowfully, half curiously, 
as if reluctant to close the bargain with so little knowl- 
edge, “if you are resolved to tell me no more, of course I 
cannot know any more. But it may be just as well.” 

“ i know it will be better,” and drawing her shawl 
around her, she turned towards the door. 

“ Will you not kiss baby before going — for the last 
time ?” 

The girl stopped short, clasped her hands over her eyes 
for an instant, as if to clear her brain, turned toward the 
babe, but wheeling toward the door, she said : 

“ No — no, it is nothing to me. I — I — ” sKe hesitated 
an instant, then assuming her usual icy demeanor, she 
swept from the room. 

A moment after, the qlang of the street door had 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


reverberated through the silent house, but before the car 
riage had started from its place, a door leading to another 
room was stealthily opened; a young man entered the 
apartment. 

“ Is she well?” he asked, eagerly, going to the table, 
and leaning over the sleeping babe. 

“ You heard what she said. I think it is all right. It’s 
heavily drugged, though.” 

“ But not to harm it, surely ?” 

” Oh, no! it breathes regularly, and the skin and pulsa- 
tion are all natural.” 

” Thank God for that!” he exclaimed, fervently. 

** Are you sure it was your wife?” 

” Am I sure that I see you — that I exist — that this is 
my child, that I am miserable? Yes, it was my wife, 
and this is our child. I have agreed to a separation, 
as she said, I am poor, she is rich — We married in haste 
— a boy and a girl at play, only we carried our play to bit- 
ter reality, and thought, ha — thought we should always 
be happy. I did love her, but now I hate her ; she has 
turned me, and now I leave her, and forever — leave her 
to her fate — school-girl love has given place to this 
plotting of a woman of the world, and I gladly leave 
her. But my child goes with me; yes — yes,” and he bent 
over and kised it tenderly. 

“Are you going now?” 

“ Yes, now. To-morrow sees me on the way to . 

The past and its scores must take care of themselves, the 
future I am answerable for, both for this heaven-sent mes- 
senger and myself,” and folding his baby girl in its soft 
robe of cashmere, he lifted it tenderly, and goihg out, 
shut the door without further words. 


8 


AS FATA WOULD HAVE IT. 


CHAPTER I. 

LOVE VERSUS GOLD 

On a quiet Sabbath evening some three years after the 
events related in the prologue, Guy Lawrence and Thirza 
Morton sat alone in the little parlor of her own and her 
mother’s quiet home in East Fourth street. 

The lamp burned. low on the mantel-shelf, and they sat 
by an open window that looked out upon the open street, 
now flooded with a glow of moonlight, which cast deep 
shadows in some places, and transformed others, until they 
seemed like the weird scenes of dreamland. 

Guy Lawrence was, like too many others in the world, 
cold, heartless, mercenary and ambitious. Ambitious to 
be known and worshipped as a money king. He was 
handsome, stylish, held a good position as confidential 
clerk in a banking-house, and showed externally but little 
of the man he was at heart. Money was his idol. There 
were many other things he loved, but money, in his idea, 
was the foundation of all happiness, and his constant mus- 
ing was how he should make great and sudden wealth. 

He had scarcely any acquaintances, and with thpse his 
intercourse was the most limited. 

He looked upon their pastimes, their seeking pleasures 
in the channels usually pursued by young people, as most 
frivolous. And yet he was no miser, indeed. His salary 
was all used in proportion as he received it, and in this 
respect he was not unlike those whom he affected to des- 
pise. His ideas arid plans were all associated with sudden 
wealth, and he had no thought of a fortune gained by toil 
and frugality. 

While thus buffeting on the wave of chance, he became 
acquainted with Thirza Morton, the lovely and only child 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


9 


of her mother, a widow, whose husband was formerly 
French interpreter at the consulate in Washington, and at 
whose death received a life pension, which placed them 
in comfortable circumstances. Thirza was indeed beauti- 
ful, both in person and mind. She was a tall, graceful 
blonde, with a calm, thoughtful cast of features, so finely 
cut, so delicately and harmoniously toned with fresh, ripe 
color that she seemed the ideal of a lover’s dream. And 
yet she had no doll-like or ball-room beauty. It seemed 
rather as if formed and ripened to grace home, to enwrap 
those within the charmed circle of her influence in a per- 
petual sunshine. 

Her mother, herself a finely educated woman had taken 
care that Thirza should be so fitted by education, as she 
was by birth and nature, to grace any position in life. 
She was, in short, one of those women so rarely met with, 
who are well fitted for any sphere. She had aroused in 
the breast of Guy Lawrence the only enthusiasm and 
emotion akin to love for other than himself, that had ever 
known a resting place there, and “ were she only rich,’* 
as he said within himself hundreds of times, he would long 
ere this night have begged that her love and happiness 
might be given to his keeping. But, as it was, the 
thought of marrying a poor girl completely overcame all 
love engendered, and although delighted and happy in 
her society, had long ago repented any pretense of love 
he had ever made, and resolved to break away at the first 
flood of strength that should come to him. 

But what of Thirza ? She had ever found Guy a gen- 
tleman; knew that he was esteemed as such by all his 
acquaintances, which together with his fine presence, 
brought him up very near to the ideal she created, and be- 
fore she knew it she was in love for the first time in her 
life. True, she often saw him sad, misanthropic and cyn- 
ical; knew that he looked upon the money-god as little 
inferior to any other, although she firmly believed, as all 


10 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


women do, that she had power to gradually brush away the 
clouds of gloom, and turn his heart in another direction 
by her personal love and devotion. 

On this lovely Sabbath evening of which we write he 
appeared to be more cast down, more infected by the 
gold fiend than ever. He conversed but little, and 
seemed nervous and discontented, while she, with gentle 
words and loving inquiries, sought to lift him out of the 
slough of despond, and lead his thoughts to something 
more in harmony with the beauty of the night. 

“ Ah, Guy, but there is something weighing on your 
mind which it were best should not be there,” she said, 
after gently bantering him on his melancholy. 

“ Yes, Thirza, you are right,” he said, turning toward 
her from the window out of which he had been gazing, as 
if fascinated by the grotesque shadows of the moonbeams. 

“ There is something on my mind which should not be 
there, and it must not remain there any longer; indeed, 
it shall not.” 

“ Nobly resolved,” she replied, rising from her seat and 
placing her hand upon his shoulder as if to strengthen his 
new resolution, and give it speech. “Only make a decid- 
ed stand not to allow your thoughts to work upon you in 
.such a gloomy way, and your battle is half won.” 

“ You do not understand me, Miss Morton.” 

“ Miss Morton ?” 

“ Have I offended you ?” 

“There seemed to be something in your look just then, 
which strangely accorded with the coldness of the tone 
which you used in speaking my name, that — ” 

“ I beg your pardon; if I offended you, but as I resolved, 
and you approved the resolution, to free my mind, I trust 
that your feelings may not be wounded by the confession 
which must be coupled with and accompany the carrying 
out of that resolution,” he said, with utmost coldness in 
every word 


AS FATE WOULD TIAVE IT. 1{ 

“ Guy, pray tell me what you mean ; explain ; it seems 
some terrible mystery.” 

“ I will do so without loss of time or words. Be seated, 
Thirza, and listen. I am a very foolish man; I have been 
doing you a bitter wrong, and one for which 'i shall ever 
be sorry — I trust you believe that I love you truly and 
honorably ?’” 

“ I cannot understand why you should question my be- 
lief in that particular, since I entertain you as my chosen 
friend above all others,” she replied, still unable to com- 
prehend his meaning. 

” That has been the mistake.” 

“ How would you like me to understand you ?” 

” Why, in entertaining me as a particular friend.” 

” Was it not at your request, Mr. Lawrence?” 

“ I acknowledge that it was, and assume that I have 
acted unwisely toward you. You are not a stranger to my 
ideas and aims relative to money, although you perhaps 
do not know that I consider it criminal for people who are 
poor, and ambitious to be rich, to marry. Without money, 
society is nothing to you or you to it, and without so- 
ciety, life is nothing as I view it.” 

” I cannot agree with you, Guy.” 

” But proofs are not wanting to sustain my assertion.” 

” And yet my own heart is proof to the contrary. So 
far as I know society it is oftentimes a cloak under which 
its devotees can hide characters and reputations which 
need to be covered up in order to escape public condem- 
nation.” 

” And yet, what would the world be without society?” 

” If it is all that I have learned of it, and you do not 
deny it to be, the world would be much happier and bet- 
ter off without it,” she answered, with some spirit. 

“ And yet, you do not believe in democratic equality — 
that all are as good as yourself, or that they should have 
access to the same circles wherein you move.” 


12 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


“ I believe that education and natural refinement are the 
only grounds for founding personal superiority upon, and 
that those who possess these qualities should use them for 
the good of those below them; that they should strive to 
make the difference between them less marked, rather than 
set themselves up as exclusives or superiors. If this is 
democracy then I am truly democratic.” 

“ Then you would never do for a rich man’s wife — at 
least, as society now holds itself,” he replied, turning 
away. 

“ I never aspired to such a position; I consider an hon- 
orable, noble minded poor man more than an equal for 
what society is pleased to call an aristocrat.” 

“But I aspire to riches and a position in society, such as 
we see people occupy around us, and it is this very subject 
that has been weighing upon my mind, and the one I 
wished to speak to you upon this evening. As I said before, 
I have been very foolish in making the proposals which 
you have so kindly favored, I was drawn toward you by a 
power I call nothing but love. But I have considered the 
injustice that a marriage between us would bring about. 
We should both be worse off, and I should never be happy 
in its consummation.” 

He glanced at her, but she sat there in the pale moon- 
light as motionless as a statue and as cold as marble. 

“ You can find those more worthy of you than I am, 
and who will make you far happier than I have the power 
of doing.” 

Again he looked at her, but she had not moved, and 
did not seem to breathe. 

“ For these good and sufficient reasons, I must beg to 
withdraw all that has passed between us, and suggest that 
we take our own individual paths in life. Will you agree 
to it?” 

He repeated the question twice, but she made no reply. 
He moved toward her and took her hand. Holding it in 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


IB 


his own for an instant, he again repeated the question, 
when she started, with a shudder, and slowly withdrew 
her hand. 

“And so you do not love me ?’’ she asked faintly. 

“ The evidence should rather show you that I do love 
you, since what I propose to do will undoubtedly make 
you happier.” 

There was a momentary silence. 

“ And you love another ?” she said at length. 

“ No, but I am resolved to marry only for money. Love 
is entirely incidental. If it chances to exist after marriage, 
why, well and good; if not, money will soothe the wound. 
I trust, Thirza, you look upon this matter from the same 
standpoint as I, and will release me from all allegiance to 
you.” 

He waited again for her to speak. 

“ Will you do so ?” 

“ Yes, ” she replied, without raising her bowed head. 

“ Many thanks. I am not sorry that we have met, but 
rather that we should have thought one moment upon 
marriage, or even contemplated a condition which would 
have made us both unhappy for life. Farewell; I trust 
you will not think upon me unkindly, but rather commend 
me for my honesty.” 

He had taken his hat and stood before her as though 
expecting t6 hear a reply, but she made none, and again 
saying “ Farewell,” he opened the front door, closed it, 
and was gone. 

The slamming of the front door broke the spell which 
held her, and uttering a cry of agony, she sprang towards 
the door of the room, and fell swooning in her mother’s 
arms, she having been attracted toward her child by some 
sensitive cord which told her she was in trouble. 


u 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


CHAPTER II. 

THE SEERESS. 

At rooms on Twenty-fifth street, just out of Lexington 
Avenue, lived Madame Marsh, called by some “ the for 
tune teller," others “ the clairvoyant," and others “ the 
old witch." Whatever she was, she was well known, and 
consulted by all and any who had the money to pay her 
well for her knowledge. Indeed, she was what might 
have been called the general mixer of social mischief. 
She was a little, shrewd, spry old woman, of about fifty 
years of age, wrinkled and grey, but erect in her carriage 
as a girl of sixteen, possessing great vigor and decision of 
character, but in the presence of her patrons, she assumed 
the calm, genial, sympathetic, pleasant, and agreeable 
motherly woman. In short, she appeared to succeed in 
being everybody’s friend. 

But at heart she was a cold, selfish person; one willing 
to bend, apparently resigned, to every circumstance which 
crossed her, while steadily carrying out the secret pur- 
poses of her heart. She could even fawn upon and caress 
those who stood in her way, while quietly operating for 
their removal. And all this time she had the name of being 
a charitable, motherly woman, always ready to do good, 
although she made it a point never to remain long in con- 
tact with a person without knowing all about them, as also . 
all about the people they knew — it was a business point 
with Madame Marsh to know something about everybody, 
and she always managed to turn such knowledge ro good 
account in the long run. 

But she had such a cool, gentle, motherly way about 
her, that she was never suspected of being at all different 
from her outward seeming, and was a favorite with old 
and young. 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


15 


Among her visitors were business men who put faith in 
her science, and many who were unsettled and credulous 
of the weaker sex, placed implicit faith in “ madame.” 

True it was, however, that she was looked upon as one 
having power with the supernatural, and proved an infal- 
lible adviser in nearly every phase of life. The young 
came to her in affairs of love; some to gain, some to regain, 
and others to be able to repel the wave of love. In all 
these she seemed perfectly at home, made money for her- 
self, and many changes among her acquaintances. 

She was seated in the room which served as an office 
and reception-room, on the evening following the one 
connected with the events in our last chapter. She had 
been looking over her journal of the past month, and still 
held it in her hand, as she reclined upon the lounge. 
What its contents were can only be conjectured, since a 
smile of contentment appeared to wreathe itself upon her 
face as she mentally contemplated it, and for a moment 
the lids closed over her strangely black eyes, as if in praise 
of her success. 

A knock at her office door suddenly aroused her. Hastily 
opening the drawer of her secretaire , she placed the jour- 
nal within, locked it, and withdrawing the key, approached 
the door. Sliding back a bolt, she threw it open, and 
Guy Lawrence strode into the room, with an aspect as 
cold as the heart which gave it life. 

“ Well, I do declare!” said the old woman, as she closed 
the door, and stood gazing at her visitor, “ of all persons 
in the world, Mr. Lawrence, you are the last one I should 
have expected a visit from. Are you, and have you been 
well ?” 

“ Yes, as well as common,” he answered, indifferently, 
as he placed his hat on the centre table, and threw himself 
into a chair, like one tired and dejected. 

” I am so glad. But what brings you here now ?” she 
asked, taking a seat in front of him. 


AS FATE WOULD SAVE IT. 


ie 

“ It must be something desperate when I conclude to 
come to you for advice, eh ?” 

“ I know you never believed in me; but I imagine there’s 
nothing new in your case.” 

“ What do you mean, madame ?” 

“ I mean that you are never tormented with but one 
idea, never had but one trouble. You are being gradually 
eaten up by your desire for wealth.” 

“ You have no occasion to summon spirits to tell me 
that; I am fully alive to that truth, and if there is any 
thing within range of your powers — be it angel or devil — 
that can show me how to obtain it, summons the oracle.” 

‘‘And so your fever has broken out again in full force. 
Yet, I think you stand more in need of a little common 
sense than the answer of my oracle.” 

‘‘Well, you can present both. You have known me 
from a boy, and understand me as well as I do myself. 
What shall I do to obtain riches ?” 

‘‘Of course it must be done without labor ?” 

“ The easier the better.” 

“ Well, then, marry an heiress.” 

” With the greatest pleasure in the world; where is 
she ?” 

“ You should know even better than I do, since you 
are, doubtless, constantly on the look out.” 

“ True, but I find them coy of strangers, placing too 
high a value upon themselvesf or a poor man to sur- 
mount.” 

“ When a man has your personal qualities?” 

" Beauty is only a love commodity.” 

“ True, but it sometimes wins fortunes.” 

“ Yes, in romances.” 

“ And in real life; I’ve known it too often.” 

“ Yes, I have heard you mention miracles before.” 

“ But this is none; you can turn your looks to good 
account,” 


A< FATF WOULD HAVE IT. 


17 


“ I have tried and failed. I find followers for every 
feminine personification of a 

“Try Edith Harvey,” said Madame Marsh, as though 
to emphatically fasten the argument in her favor. 

Guy Lawrence looked at her a moment as though in 
doubt, and then broke into a cold laugh. 

“ She is rich, and you can win her,” she persisted. 

“ I thought so once.” 

“ What do you mean ?” 

“ I suppose you know all about it.” 

“ I assure you I do not.” 

‘‘Well, I proposed to her not long since, and was 
rejected.” 

“ Indeed! what reason did she give ?” 

‘ ‘ A very sensible one — that she did not wish to run the 
risk of being any poorer than she was.” 

“ But yet you can succeed,” she replied, naively. 

“ And how ?” 

“ She loves you.” 

“ Did she tell you so?” 

“ No, I never saw her, but she told a friend of mine 
that you were her beau ideal, and when a man has such a 
hold as that upon a woman, he can win if he wishes to do 
so. But I am told that she, too, worships money.” 

“ Which shows her good sense. But I cannot hope to 
get a share of her wealth. No — no, I have abandoned 
that idea.” 

“ You asked my advice, did you not ?” 

“ Yes, why ?” 

“ Nothing; only I advise you to marry a woman who 
has money; and also that you try Miss Harvey again, as 
I consider your chances the best with her.” 

“ I am afraid not.” 

“ But will you try again?” she repeated earnestly. 

“I’ll do anything for riches,” he replied, quickly, and 
with intense earnestness. 


18 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


“ Then go to Edith Harvey; go with a determination 
to win her, and you will succeed; I tell you this from 
clairvoyant’s evidence. There is no mistake about it. 
Your destiny lies in that direction, you must follow it.” 

The old woman spoke the last few words with a vehem- 
ence which showed her to be positively in earnest from 
some external knowledge, or that she was really putting 
her clairvoyant powers to the test, and through them saw 
what the future had in store for him. At all events, her 
tone of voice and expression of face had a strange effect 
upon young Lawrence, who started from his seat and 
stood gazing intently into her face. 

” Will you follow your destiny?” she asked, at length. 

“ I will — come weal, come woe,” he replied, firmly. 

” Then lose no time in seeing her.” 

” It shall be as you suggest” 

” Good!” she said, following him to the door. 

“ Let me see you often hereafter; I can help you,” she 
whispered, as he placed a ten dollar bill in her hand. 

“ I will,” was all he said, as he closed the door after 
him. 

“ And he will meet his fate in that direction,” said the 
seeress, as she stood with her eyes closed, after she had 
been left alone. 


CHAPTER IIL 

AN ICICLE. 

There are breathing icicles — icicles of flesh and blood, 
as well as those crystal pendants that form in a night on 
telegraph wires and car roofs, and from the eaves of the 
low roof of the country cottage. Cold, clear and beauti- 
ful, the delight of the children, and the enemy of the poor 
for with them ever comes bitter cold and piercing winds. 

’Tis the same with the living icicles, cold, pellucid, 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


19 


beautiful, they charm the casual observer, fascinate silvery 
moths who flutter in their train until frosted by their 
frowns. 

Edith Harvey was an icicle. Many called her handsome. 

She was not, but she was what is better in a society 
woman, stylish, fashionable, prudent, and calculating. 
She was the only child of fond, but foolish parents, who 
set her up as their idol, and oracle,* at an age when she 
ought to have been playing with doll babies, and getting 
up imaginary teas. At the age of ten, the parents of 
Edith, and the servants of the Harvey mansion, had 
/earned that her word was law; to slight a command of 
Miss Edith was, the first occasion, a severe reprimand, 
the second, instant dismissal. 

Edith was a young lady of medium height, a decided 
brunette, with long, black hair, “ so black it’s purple” 
was her maid’s view of it. Eyes which equaled the hair 
in jetty hue, and the midnight star of winter in their cold 
brilliancy. Her features were too sharp for beauty, and 
well indicated her character — shrewd, never happy, but 
grasping the phantom in vain. 

The Harveys were called rich. Owning and living in 
their own mansion, on Murray Hill, which had descended 
to them from a former generation, and which Edith held 
by right to possess, at the death of her parents, there was 
no need to question their wealth or social standing. 

The house was handsomely furnished, they kept up a 
show of wealth, with a fine equipage, and, like thousands 
of others in our great metropolis, hovered on year after 
year, on the brink of poverty, tottering and recovering 
by some lucky speculation, some stroke of good luck. 

Edith knew all this, and had formed her future; she 
must marry wealth. She knew no laws but those binding 
her to society, and as for a heart — bah — who talks of hearts 
where their future well-being is concerned! 

Offers, of course, were plenty, for Miss Harvey, the 


20 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


heiress, was a society woman; and there are ever plenty 
of fortune hunters in that same society, the boast of New 
York’s elite. 

Money was her god, to queen it in society, to be quoted 
as the authority in fashionable life, was her aim; money 
alone could buy it, and her only source of money was a 
husband, and he must be elegant and fashionable, and 
have money unlimited. 

In this respect she and Guy Lawrence were well mated 
but alas! the coffers of both were equally depleted. 

L Guy had already sought her hand in marriage, suppos- 
ing her an heiress, and, had she acknowledged it, he was 
her favorite — handsome, commanding in person, in fact, 
her beau-ideal in all, save wealth, and that speedily set at 
rest and demolished any lingering weakness she might 
have entertained toward the handsome Guy. 

And the only source her musings regarding him ever 
followed, was, if by any means he could get wealth, of all 
men, Guy Lawrence should be her husband. 

And Guy Lawrence knew her views, for she had frankly 
told him, and with this knowledge again attacked the 
fortress of his choice, again repeated his tale of love. 

Edith received him with cold politeness, the society 
woman’s air, although the blood came quickly through 
her veins at sight of his handsome form, and had she been 
less the icicle, it would have revealed itself in the tell-tale 
blush and emotional voice. She heard him through, 
quietly, respectfully, and answered: 

“ Mr. Lawrence, Guy, you come again with your tale 
of love; you and I should understand each other. We 
are both old enough, and conversant enough with the 
world to know that money is the lever that moves it — the 
only source of happiness. You and I are both pursuing 
happiness, i. e ., wealth. I own this house, at my parent’s 
death — aside from the house, nothing! What would it 
avail me to marry one without the equivalent to maintain 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. Si 

the style necessary for my property ? Had you money, 
Guy, my answer would not be nay — now excuse me, again 
I decline to be Mrs. Guy Lawrence.” 

All this conversation was carried on in the cool, method- 
ical manner of two people trying to exchange property, 
or any merchandise where each was determined to secure 
to himself a good bargain. 

“ So, Edith, if I had money, and plenty, you would 
marry me ?” 

I would. But have I hot heard something about a 
Miss Morton, the lovely daughter of the widow ?” 

“ Don't mention that. Fascination and marriage are 
widely separated. Miss Morton is a lovely girl, and will 
make a man with her ‘ love in a cottage ’ ideas a true wife; 
but I — my ambition soars beyond such old-fashioned 
ideas.” 

“You have soaring ideas, why not carry them out, get 
money, I will become your partner at once you secure it.” 

” Ah! 'tis easy said, but to make money one must have 
money.” 

” Why, Guy, I am better at business than you. Look 
at the fortunes that have been made in this city without a 
dollar capital. If I was a man, I’d not want for money a 
day. Look around you at our millionaires, and think 
where many of them were a few years ago. Follow their 
example.” 

“ How ? Join some ring ? I suppose they are the mil- 
lionaires to whom you allude ?” 

“ Not they alone, there are other ways of accomplishing 
the same ends.” 

“ I know, but I can never delve and toil for wealth — it 
must come, as it were, in the night.” 

“ That means you would take bold chances that would 
frighten a more timid man ?” 

“ Propose a chance that X would shrink at,” said he, 
resolutely. 


22 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


“ Well there have been fortunes stolen. But I believe 
business men gloss the word, making it ‘ speculation,’ 
‘dealing in paper,’ ‘watching the market.’ I often 
hear them talk of ‘ puts,’ ‘calls,’ ‘ straddles,’ and all 
those curious technical terms. Have the men who deal 
thus, money? No, neither do people ask if they have it. 
But apart from this, which is really speculation, let us 
look at your surroundings. You have access to millions. 
A man possessing cunning and courage under such cir- 
cumstances should not be poor.” 

“ Edith, what do you mean!” exclaimed he, starting 
back and looking at her. 

“ Do you not understand ?” 

“ Not clearly.” 

“ Well, then, we will suppose that there is a young so- 
ciety lady who is supposed to be rich. She is loved by a 
man who is her ideal in all save wealth. He fortunately 
finds wealth and transfers it to her keeping. Under those 
circumstances, nothing would be thought of it, for he 
could keep right along in his employment, she being all 
the while above suspicion as he would be, if there was no 
money found upon him, and no bad management showed 
itself regarding the find, and if after the excitement had 
blown over, this man and woman should get married, and 
enjoy rationally this fortunate find, who could say more 
than that he was the lucky fellow that married an heiress?” 

“ Edith, you are a Napoleon — a more than queen!” he 
said, grasping her hands. 

“ I could be the queen of so courageous and fortunate 
a man,” she replied, with a rippling laugh. 

“And you will pledge yourself to that ?” he asked, with 
a strange earnestness. 

“ I will. There is my hand.” 

“ I accept it. Farewell!” - 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


23 


\ 

CHAPTER IV. 

A BOLD PROJECT. 

The house of Elias Cammon & Son had occupied for 
two generations a foremost place, in Wall street, as bank- 
ers of integrity and honorable dealing. Elias Cammon, 
the first, had started in Wall street in its pigmy days, and 
had built up a business second to none in a time when 
business was done on a firm basis, when fortunes were not 
made and lost in a few hours. His son, Elias, was brought 
up on the street, and early gave signs of training that 
would make him a worthy successor; and as he in turn 
succeeded to the business, his son followed in his foot- 
steps, and the Cammons were looked upon as towers of 
strength. 

They were oracles, and always seemed to come out on 
the upper side of all speculations, and held the stock mar- 
ket by the horns. 

That, however, was before the days of so much jugglery 
in financiering, and one may well doubt if the house would 
have always written “ eureka,” had they combated with 
the keen operators in their peculiar workings who rule 
Wall Street to-day. 

Guy Lawrence had been with the house of Cammon 
from a boy, had grown into the business with his growth, 
and was now the confidential clerk, the trusted one, in all 
that vast establishment. 

Reserved, yes, almost haughty in his intercourse with 
those around him, extending it even to his employers. 
He so completely hid his real character under this guise, 
that none suspected his motive or aim in life, the smould- 
ering passion for wealth, and power that wealth can give, 
that made him the taciturn man he was. Indeed, he was 


24 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


often bantered for his seeming indifference to money; 
dressing well, liberal to objects of charity, and never 
hoarding, as his secret wishes would be supposed to in- 
cline him to. 

Cammon, Sr. tried for many years to lead him to love 
speculation, to save his money for some lucky chance of 
investment, but, no; he seemed like a machine, going 
through his duties with scrupulous exactness and fidelity; 
there his love of it seemed to end, and one would have 
supposed feim averse to the thoughts of gain. 

Guy Lawrence was a society man only so far, as he 
gained an incentive there to be known as a leader. Con- 
nected with the Cammons, not only in their business 
house, but always a welcome guest at their home, he was 
established in society when he cared to court it, but his 
own scheming and self-communing over his pent up wishes 
for wealth made the society of Guy Lawrence his great- 
est charm. 

And since he and Edith Harvey had made their com- 
pact, his self-communing was taking more tangible form, 
and the ignis fatuus he had been chasing through his brain 
so many years, was becoming more of a reality. 

In his confidential capacity, he, of course, knew all the 
secrets connected with the house; knew the amount of 
cash and securities always on hand, and so faithful had his 
training been, that his employers left many things solely 
to him, going to him for reference and insight into various 
matters as they might need. 

All this confidence gave him plenty of employment, and 
often in busy times he would work hours after the day’s 
work was done, that everything should be evenly balanced 
for the morrow. 

And in all these years of work for his employers, with 
keys in his possession that unlocked the coffers of untold 
wealth, had no thought of speedy gain ever entered his 
brain ? 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 25 

Never until now ! Never that by the single twirl of his 
fingers, he, too, could be known “ on change.” “ Law- 
rence, the millionaire,” he had often repeated to himself, 
but never with the significance of now. 

One evening after working hours, when Wall Street was 
deserted save by the occasional hurried steps of a belated 
traveler, or the rumbling of a ’bus over the rough pave- 
ment, Guy, who had remained and been working over 
some bothersome ” quotations,” finally closed his book, 
and dropping his head on his hands, communed with him- 
self. This time it seemed not only planning, but that the 
plot was laid, and he was seeking the courage to carry it 
through. He raised his head, his eyes were flaming red, 
his face corpse like in its hue, and a sweat, cold and clam- 
my, penetrated his whole body. There he sat, immov- 
able, scarcely stirring an eyelash, and yet what forms were 
dancing through his brain ! He turned and looked at the 
safes built in solid masonry, with their huge iron doors, 
so solid, so inaccessible to all, and yet, he sat there, with 
the knowledge that a half million in money was deposited 
behind those doors, and something whispered to him: 

” Access and courage are the twin of success.” He 
started, so real were the words sounded in his ear. “ Yes, 
by Heaven, that is so! I have access — courage I will com - 
mand, success must come, and now; for to-morrow, the 
amount there goes to another source. It shall be mine.” 

He arose from his chair; the excitement and tension of 
his nerves had almost crippled him, and he walked rapidly 
back and forth in the narrow space by his desk several 
times ere the blood flowed freely again. He walked in 
front of the safe, and looked at the silver knob as if it 
possessed peculiar worth. 

He put out his hand, but sprung back. “ Not yet !” 
He turned, as if eyes were upon him, and went to the outer 
door, pushed the bolts, and stepping out, he looked about 
him and listened. The quiet was marked in comparison 


26 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


with the day. Guy stood for a moment listening to the 
sounds on the street, and wondered how many were glad 
the day’s toil was over; if the lagging step betokened the 
disappointed man, or if thought of how to-day’s losses 
could be retrieved by to-morrow’s shrewdness caused this 
man to take out a memorandum book and pencil some 
figures. 

Guy speculated thus a few moments, closed the door, 
and securing it, went to the safe on tip-toe, as if fearful 
the walls would echo the direction of his footsteps. He 
took the key from his pocket, and inserting it in the lock, 
an instant, and wealth was within his grasp. He grasped 
the box, but his hand seemed palsied, and he drew back, 
laid his hands upon the door, as if to shut it, but drawing 
back, he listened, hesitated, looked about him, as if ten 
thousand eyes were frowning upon him. 

“ Zounds — I have * access,’ do I lack ‘ courage ?’ Am I 
to show weakness where I have been gathering strength? 
’Tis now or never. Weakness, poverty and loneliness 
on the one hand, access, courage, sucess and 4 Edith ’ on 
the other. Why hesitate ? It’s now or never.” 

Again he laid his hand upon the box, hesitated, trem- 
bled a trifle, but the voice of the temptress sounded in his 
ear, he drew the box from the safe, and placed it on a 
desk near. 

‘‘Now, victory or death; victory and by it, long coveted 
wealth is within my grasp; if failure comes, death is easy, 
and will follow.” 

Taking a large sheet of wrapping paper from the desk 
he did the box up to resemble an ordinary parcel and 
labeled it. 

*■ Guy Lawrence, 17 Peck Slip. To be left until called 
for.” Then putting on his outer coat and hat he left the 
office, and rapidly crossing Broadway, was soon under 
the shade of old Trinity’s walls. He passed down into 
Thames street, and mid-way the block entered an alley, 


A& LATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


27 


that led to rear tenements; tapping lightly on the door of 
the first landing, he was greeted with: 

“Who’s dar?” 

He pushed open the door, and entering, said: “It is I, 
Aunt Chloe, am I welcome ?’’ 

“ Fo’ the Lor’ Massa Lawrence, I was most skeered; 
lots o’ tramps around hea’ nowadays, and every time a 
knock comes, I think it somebody want suffin,’ jes’ as if 
a poor old nigga like me got bread and things to give way. 
Humph! this nigga can’t pay her own rent, let ’lone guv 
way to odder folks.’’ 

“ What’s that, auntie ! Can’t pay the rent ?’’ 

“ Hope to die, massa, if lanlor’ warn’t here to-day, and 
I only had one bressed dollar to guv him; but I told him 
I had good customers. I sed, ses I: ‘ I kin pay, Mr. Skin- 
ner, only give me time; I’m ’spectable culled pusson, and 
don’t want to cheat nobody.’ So he said as how he’d guv 
me till Saturday, and I trust the Lord will fin’ it for me 
’fore then.’’ 

“ How much do you pay for the shebang, auntie ?” 

“ Four dolla’ a munf, and its nuff too, with the rats a 
scaring the life out o’ me nights.’’ 

“ Ah, well, don’t fret any more, here’s a five; square 
up with your landlord, and keep the two for tea and 
things.’’ 

“ Massa Lawrence, I allers sed you was a born gentle- 
man, and now I know it. I allers tries to do what’s right 
by your clothes, I duz, and if they doesn’t suit ever, just 
fling it at this nigga’s head, for I knows how.’’ 

“ Oh, that’s all right, the clothes suit me to a /, but I 
must tell you what I stopped in for; I just got this box 
from the country; it was left with some friends by my 
mother, who is dead and gone; they are moving for the 
west, so sent it to me. Contains family letters, pictures, 
and things of that kind; I am going over to Brooklyn to- 
night, and do not, of course, want to carry it with me; 


28 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


the office is closed, it’s too late to go up town and back 
again to Brooklyn, so I just said to myself : ‘I’ll run around 
to Aunt Chloe’s with this, I guess she’ll let me leave it 
there—’ ” 

“ Let you, Massa Lawrence, I’s proud of the ’stinction. 
I’ll take splendid care of it, I will; so it was you poo’ old 
mother’s property, and she’s dead and gone; well — well, 
that’s the way we all go — : — ” 

“You had better not let any one know you have it, 
auntie, some people, you know, are so curious — ’’ 

“ Curus, well I reckon they be; why they’s the curuses 
lot of folks around here you ever seen, and I’ll jes’ show 
you what Il’l do; I guess they’d be both sharp and curus 
to git in here.’’ And suiting the action to the word she 
removed some shells, a prayer book, and a few trinkets 
from a table, then removing the spread there was disclosed 
a drawer which she opened by pressing a spring under- 
neath. The drawer was lined with zinc, “ to keep the rats 
out,’’ she said, and the contents were as variable as a 
curiosity shop. 

“ There, Massa Guy, slip it right in that corner, and 
I’ll shove these papers over it, and now hear me.” 

Raising her hand. 

“ I swear ’fore the Lord nobody shall ever touch that 
box, nor look at it ’cept Massa Guy Lawrence. Dat’s the 
fus’ time in tree munfs that draw’s been opened. An’ I 
feel so proud that you can place confidence in an old 
nigga to bring your dead mother’s waluables hea’; I'se 
very proud, ’scuse me for ’peating it.” 

“ I know who I can trust, auntie, but I must be off, or 
no Brooklyn to-night ! Well, I’ll call around soon. Good- 
night, auntie, take care of yourself.” 

“ So I will, Massa Lawrence, and your property at the 
same time; God bress you !” 

Guy left the shabby tenement of his wash-woman with 
more reliance than he entered it. That his secret was 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 29 

safe with her, he felt certain, and a brisk walk soon 
brought him to Wall Street again. As he reached this grim 
home of wealth, he loitered and looked on every side, that 
he might be sure no chance acquaintance was near, or 
the policeman was not in his wake on his usual round. 
Making sure that he was that part of Wall street’s sole 
occupant, he neared the door, and turning, watched a mo- 
ment; a stage coach with a solitary occupant rumbled by, 
and then the slight figure of a man turned the corner of 
Broadway; evidently he was the one awaited, for another 
glance about him showing that the coast was clear, he 
opened the door of the banking house and darted inside. 
The stranger following close in his wake was fully as cau- 
tious, for he passed and repassed the door, not only to 
make sure the coast was clear, but also, that he was fol- 
lowing the right man; eventually he made quick entrance, 
and the ponderous door was closed behind them. 

“ Good ! You did not fail me,” said Lawrence. 

“ Why should I, when I hope to gain so much ? Let 
me thank you for your confidence in me,” and the 
speaker an every day specimen of New York’s under- 
crust, raised his hat. 

“ No confidence ! for it is a mutual affair; I cannot say 
but you are a thief, perhaps a murderer, but we are both 
in the same size box; if the law reaches me, you are an 
accomplice; our aims are different, but success or defeat 
would be equally shared; so New York has not proved a 
kindly mother to you, hey ?” 

“ Believe me, no ! I’ve been trying for six months to 
get away from the ill-luck that’s fastened to me here, but 
even that has been denied me, so here I remain. Curse 
the luck, I say !” 

“ Well, have you followed the instructions I gave you 
in all respects ?” 

“ I think, yes. My traps, and few enough are they, are 
rill on the wharf at —landing, ready for me, and only 


30 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


too glad will I be to sail out of New York with the rising 
tide. With God’s help I’ll never set foot on the old island 
again. I was brought up all right, and if my large ideas 
had not made me think a fortune lay here at my bidding, 
I should have been a different man.” 

“ Come here expecting to make a fortune honestly, did 
you ?” said Guy, a sarcastic smile playing over his face. 
” Others have tried that beside you — it can’t be done in 
this town.” 

“ Well, my mother educated me in the belief that ‘ hon- 
esty is the best policy,’ but those were our grandfathers’ 
days. It’s every man for himself, nowadays, and the devil 
for us all; and unless I ship port, he’ll get me sure.” 

” All right, good fellow, we’ll try and give him the slip, 
so far as you are concerned. Here is your ticket for 

A , and here are five hundred dollars,” drawing both 

from his pocket, “ may they prove your luckiest hit.” 

“ Good — good enough ! Too good luck for me, to be 
real,” said Luther Philips. 

“ Now you have the cord you were to purchase ?” 

” Yes, I have it here, and the gag also,” taking both 
from his pocket. 

” Come this way, I’ve changed my plans a little as to 
our final course. Now, the bargain on my part is com- 
plete, .you have your ticket and the five hundred to start 
with. You see that safe built in the wall ? It contains 
papers, documents, so after binding and gagging me, I 
am to be shut in there — ” 

” But won’t you smother in that c2ose place ?” 

“ No, I’ve examined it, there are crevices through 
which the air passes, and I’ll risk it. The door of this safe 
must be left open,” said he, going to the one from which 
he had removed the box. ” And from this one we must 
remove the papers and pigeon holes, as if in search of 
money. Now, proceed, it must- be getting on in the 
night, and you must be on the vessel betime.” 


AS FATE WOULD DAVE IT. 


81 


“ But are you to remain bound all night ?” 

“ Yes, and until found in the morning; you must bind 
and gag me so securely, mind you, that every one will be 
convinced it was done by robbers. After putting me in 
the safe shut the door, and then watch your opportunity 
to get out of the office, lock the door, take the key, and 
throw it overboard when out at sea. Caution is the word, 
young man, not only to-night, but in all the affairs of life.” 

“ My good sir, have you calculated your strength ?” 

“ Never mind me, proceed,” said Lawrence, firmly. 

“ All right, you know your own business.” 

And young Philips proceeded to bind and gag him in 
the most effectual manner. It took full a quarter of an 
hour, and then, indeed, Lawrence was at the mercy of 
the stranger. Hustling him into the safe, he shook his 
head, as if he did not envy him his night watch, he picked 
up the money and ticket from the table where he had left 
them, and going to the safe, he looked at Lawrence as if 
reluctant to leave him in such torture; but it was his own 
will and wish, and turning, he said: 

44 Farewell, and good-bye, may this night’s work be the 
making of both of us, ’ and as if unwilling to trust his 
eyes on Lawrence’s face again, he closed the door quickly, 
and went from the place. 

Lawrence listened as his footsteps died away, and in his 
living tomb writhed with fear and hope. His heart pal- 
pitated, his brain throbbed, and he already wished innu- 
merable things — for water, that he had asked at the last 
moment; just then boomed out — and oh, how faint, far 
away, and drear it sounded — the chime of eleven. 

“ Eight hours of this. My God ! already I stifle; why 
were these cords drawn so tight ? I feel the flesh closing 
around them. Eight hours. I may die here; my struggle 
for wealth and Edith may all end in a 4 found dead,’ ” and 
as the thought surged through his brain, it reeled, and 
mercifully forgetfulness threw her mantle over him, 


82 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT 


CHAPTER V. 

SENSATION IN WALL STREET. 

“ Where am I ? What is this?” Were the silent inter- 
rogations of Guy Lawrence, as he awoke to consciousness 
— not consciousness, either, but an acute realization that he 
was suffering the severest torture. 

“ How much time has sped by since I commenced this 
voluntary imprisonment ?” 

Just then, as if in answer to his thoughts, clang, clang, 
until ‘five’ had boomed out the hour. “ Six hours, and I 
still live.” 

Guy was suffering almost beyond endurance. The 
cords had sunken deep into the swollen flesh, and the 
least attempt to move gave him agony indescribable, and 
at the same time showed him how futile was the attempt. 
His whole head was aching frightfully, and it seemed 
to him the gag was a weight of lead. 

“ Will they never come ? Five o’clock, three more long 
hours, and then, its only Dennis; suppose the cashier 
should be late ! Oh, for a glass of water, yes, a swallow, 
aye, even a drop. Can I live three hours and suffer this 
torture ? It cannot be. Oh, heavens ! was the stake 
large enough to endure such misery ? 

“ Suppose I die ! Will Edith care ? Will she know ? 
No, she cannot, she may guess, but the mystery will ever 
be enshrouded, and if I die poor Philips is the only win- 
ner; and the Cammons, they have been good friends, and 
I ! how have I requited them ? I must live — yes, shall live. 
Wealth and Edith are mine, now; courage, man, its only 
three hours more, and then a whole life of joy; I shall 
live!” 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. SB 

Again oblivion came. Will he live? Is it possible for 
that swollen, purple mass to survive those tightening cords, 
the distended mouth, and that fetid air until outside aid 
arrives ? 

Tne hours rolled on; happily, Lawrence remained in 
the land of nothingness, as if dead — he had not aroused 
to further misery. 

Another day of* life, of business’ busy hum opened at 
last. Feet hurried to and fro, even Wall Street showed 
signs of life, and shutters were thrown open, porters bus- 
tled around, that their duties might be over ere more im- 
portant ones commenced. 

At length the key of the porter rattled ii the lock of tha 
door which had opened and shut in one night over events 
that involved the future life of more than one, and pro- 
vided food for wise detectives to shake their heads with 
solemn gravity, and newsmongers’ gossip until another 
“ mysterious robbery ” took its place. 

The porter had little occasion to enter the private office, 
his duty being each morning to take down the shutters, 
fill the water cooler, and have everything in ample order 
against the time the cashier, who was usually first at his 
post, put in an appearance. The entire floor had been 
swept and dusted the night before, but Dennis usually 
gave his feather duster a few vigorous waves in the morn- 
ing, for well he knew “ Ould Dill,” as he styled the cash- 
ier, between his teeth, had a sharp eye for dust early in 
the morning. 

The morning was bright, soft and beautiful, and Den- 
nis, with sprinkler in hand stood outside the door chatting 
with his next door co-laborer, and listening to his descrip- 
tion of a wonderful performance he had witnessed at the 
“ Bowery” the night before, until Dennis, hearing old 
Trinity’s alarm of half-past seven, quickly turned, and 
saying : 

“ The rest another time, me lad, that old hin of a Dill 


AS PATE Womb HAVE TT. 


U 

will be along afore my dusting is over, and begob, his 
troat is dry in the morning, and very ’sceptible to dust. 
He doesn’t mind it so much arter he’s had his noon cock- 
tail, and I must be at it;” and suiting the action to the 
word, Dennis turned in, depositing the sprinkler in its 
usual place, he caught the duster, and kept time with it 
to the tune of “ Swate Ireland is my home.” 

After dusting thoroughly outside, he commenced upon 
the railing that separated the main office from the desks 
and private rooms; as he did so he caught sight of the 
open safe. With mouth agape, and eyes protruding, he 
stood as if riveted to the spot. 

” By the howly mother, the Virgin Mary, if this isn’t a 
go; well, now, I have it in for ould Dill; supposing it 
was the loikes of me that had done the careless trick. 
Ah — ha! how quick I would have heard: 

“ ‘ Dennis, we find you are not to be trusted; we can’t 
employ any but trusty men,’ but as it is, I s’pose the ould 
fellow will just shet it, and say nothing about it; Faith, 
but he’s careless. Didn’t he give me a ‘ five,’ last Christ- 
mas just as careless as another man would give me a quar- 
ther ? I s’pose there’s tins of thousands in there; I dunno, 
but be jabers I’ll not go in to see, so I won’t’ and I’ll not 
stir my foot out o’ this either; It’s a watchman, I am now, 
and Dennis, me lad, do your duty, and when the careless 
ould curmudgeon comes he must come down. Ses I; 

‘ now what’ll ye give me to hold my gab ?’ Och, by the 
howly mother, maybe he’s put up this job, knowing as 
how the childer’s sick, and ‘Allie,’ ailing, and Dennis be- 
hint with the rint.” 

<! Well, Dennis, who are you talking to — yourself ?” 

“ Talking, is it ? Well, it’s time somebody talked, and 
worked too, I reckon. Do you mind that, Misther Dill ?” 
said Dennis, pointing in the inner office. 

“ Mind what ?” said little Mr. Dill, coming forward. 

“ Faith, the moinding that till yez come, and kaping 


.4.9 FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 35 

my own knowledge to mesilf is worth fifty dollars, I 
think.” 

“ Good heavens ! what’s this ? A burglary, sure’s fate,” 
and opening the gate of the railing, he rushed to the safe. 

“ Burglars, is it ? murther !” 

“ Hush, you idiot, go quietly until you see an officer, 
and bring him here; no noise to bring a crowd, mind you. 
Perhaps there is no harm done.” 

Dennis threw on his old hat, and with a white face, 
started out, and, strange as it may seem, met an officer 
within a few rods of the door. 

” There’s bloody vork in our place, Misther Police 
man !” 

“ A murder, do you say ?” 

” Och, not so bad as that, but come in, the safe is open, 
and perhaps the bosses are robbed intirely, and that’s 
next to murder.” 

The officer made his way rapidly into the place, and 
some half dozen of those so ready to scent mischief, 
seeing the movement, essayed to follow, but the officer, 
entering, closed the door, shutting out the disappointed, 
eager crowd, who could only stand with mouths open and 
eyes riveted upon the massive door, as if that could speak 
and tell them the cause of the excitement. 

“ Hallo, cashier! Anything wrong?” said the officer, 
as he entered the inner office. 

” I should say, something. We’ve been robbed. The 
safes have been opened; this one, the money safe, con- 
tained a large amount of money, and it’s gone !” said Mr. 
Dill, dropping into the nearest chair, very pale and trem- 
bling. 

“ Let’s look about and see the worst of it; what are 
these papers and pigeon holes thrown out here ?” 

“ They belong to the other safe, evidently thrown out 
looking for more money.” 

“ Oh, my God ! but this has been a disastrous night,” 


36 


AS PATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


said the cashier, “ I’ve begged so many times that they 
keep a watchman.” 

” Can you open this other ? Let’s find the extent of the 
damage as quickly as possible.” 

” Certainly,” said Mr. Dill, and suiting the action to 
the word, he drew a key from his pocket and quickly 
opened the door, but as he did, gave a terrific moan, as 
the sight of Lawrence, bound, gagged, purple, swollen, 
and to all appearance, dead, was disclosed to him. 

“ How’s this ? have we one of them here, caught in his 
own trap ?’ ’ 

” My heavens, man, no ! that is Lawrence, the confiden- 
tial clerk !” 

” Heavens ! is that so ? Here, get him out, handle him 
carefully, there may be life yet, lay him here on this couch 
where he’ll get air. Cut the cords, quick, I guess he’s 
done for, poor fellow. Gad ! ’twas enough to bind him 
like this, without shutting him in that stifling hole. Won- 
der if they thought a man, crippled like he is, could fol- 
low and give an alarm.” 

The cords were carefully removed from the deep ridges 
they had made in the flesh, the gag taken from his mouth, 
and the mouth partially closing showed there was some 
life. They rubbed him for a few moments, and as his 
limbs relaxed their rigidity, so they could straighten him, 
they had hopes, and quickly calling in two of the outside 
loiterers, they carried him to the house of the nearest phy- 
sician. 

He looked at him, felt his pulse, raised his eyelids, and 
after close scrutiny, ordered the crowd to fall back, and 
loosening his clothes, set to work to restore animation. 

The Cammons were sent for in haste. Mr. Dill had 
■ nothing to say as to the losses, only shaking his head, as 
if it could be no worse. 

The police took possession of the place, and the usual 
surging crowd gathered around, speculated and wondered, 


is FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


37 


while “ knowing ones,” who help to make up every crowd, 
enlightened the rest as to how it was probably done. 

Of course it took no great length of :ime for the news 
to spread among the down town business houses, and the 
firstedition of the News , with the posters at every office, 
soon heralded the news over the entire city. 

How was it accomplished ? The officer swore he tried 
the door on each round, and it was always secure. Dennis 
unlocked the door as usual, the lock was in no wise tam- 
pered with. 

The Messrs. Cammon made their appearance with every 
evidence of a hurried toilet, and both completely stunned 
at the sight of the night’s work. 

Barely stopping for the outside facts, and learning 
where Lawrence had been taken, they left the place in its 
confusion in the hands of the officers, and hurried to see 
their suffering clerk. 

By the time of their arrival, Lawrence had been partially 
restored to consciousness, but not seeming to recognize 
the situation or those about him. Dennis, with whom 
‘ 4 Misther Guy ’ ’ was a great favorite, had not left his side, 
and watched him anxiously. 

Guy lay there like dead, the blood slowly circulating 
through his veins, causing the color to change, now pur- 
ple, now white, then the fainter tinge, more health- 
like. 

The physician watched him narrowly, and as he thought 
he could bear it, inserted a few drops of restorative 
through his pallid lips and set teeth. 

As strength came, he grew delirious, and that 44 the 
cords drew so tight,” 44 and drops of water,” ‘‘eight 
hours,” and such broken sentences, showing that in his 
delirium he was still suffering inside the safe. 

His physician thinking it highly imprudent to try to 
rouse him to thought, the Cammons, after instructing him 
to leave nothing undone that skill or money could suggest, 


38 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


gave glances of sympathetic kindness at Guy’s uncon- 
scious face, and returned to their banking house. 

Here confusion reigned ! Everybody was anxious to 
see where he had been locked in, where the money stood, 
and even the cord that bound him was handled and ex- 
amined as if it could explain the mystery. 

At last, one more curious than all, took his knife from 
his pocket, and cut an end from the cord as a memento. 

An officer spied him, and that crowd was quickly hus- 
tled into the street, with an energetic “ move on ” from 
the officer on beat, followed by a vigorous swinging of his 
locust. 

The bankers were quickly closeted with experts from 
the detective force, and after every part of the ground had 
been thoroughly gone over, there were whispered consul- 
tations, wise, but dubious shakings of the head, and but 
little encouragement was given regarding the finding of 
either plunder or plunderers. 

They insisted that some one well acquainted with the 
ways of the house, and more particularly the customs of 
Lawrence, had carried out this most successful robbery, 
and left the office determined to ferret out the secret life 
of the employees of the great bankers. 

Was Lawrence suspected ? Did any one say: ** Guess 
he could tell a story if he choose !” 

Not one. Everybody looked upon and spoke of him as 
the equal victim with the Cammons, for had he not barely 
escaped with life ? 

The Cammons, the detectives, and all connected with 
the house, even to Dennis, searched and noted every 
source from which a clue might be obtained, but the mys- 
tery only darkened the more it was looked into, and the 
more each seemed to strive for an avenue of light. 

The detectives watched every crib, shadowed all well 
known burglars, every steamer was watched, and each 
passenger closely scanned, 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


39 


Burglars or their pals who were not found in their usual 
haunts were hunted up and the detectives made frequent 
journeys out of New York in various directions, seeking 
clues. They were, as usual, splendid at starting these 
clues, and as usual, they, upon investigation, dissolved in 
empty air. 

The Cammons were very solicitous for young Law- 
rence, and the old man seemed as kindly watchful over 
him as if he were his own son. 

The tears would course down his cheeks when recount- 
ing the sufferings he must have undergone to his old 
friends, who came from all parts of the city to condole 
with him, immediately they learned of his misfortune. 

Guy’s pockets were searched, and it was found the keys 
of the outer door, the safes, and his own desk, were all 
gone. 

Dennis said: “ Misther Lawrence tould me he should 
work late and to lock up and go home, an’ I left him a 
settin’ there beyant at his desk, busy writing.” 

The cashier knew that there were certain papers to be 
used, that Guy was to fix up ready for morning, and upon 
examining they were found carefully finished, and his 
books and papers left in their usual methodical neatness. 
His hat was found on the floor not far from the safe, and 
every circumstance led to the belief that he remained until 
quite late to finish his work, and after everything was done 
and locked up with his usual care, he had started out. 

Some wide awake thieves had been watching him, knew 
his custom of working late, and had stationed themselves 
near. When he came to the door, opened it, and turned 
to put the key in the outside, they had quickly pounced 
upon him, dragged him back, locked the door on the in- 
side, and Guy, the keys, safes, money and all, were at 
their mercy and disposal. 

This was the theory adopted by all, after gleaning all 
that could be had outside of Lawrence’s own story. 


40 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


Never had Wall Street been so stirred by any excitement 
in its midst. Bankers employed watchmen who had hith- 
erto felt perfectly secure. 

New locks were added to doors thought most secure, 
and burglar alarms were attached to offices and rooms 
hitherto thought burglar proof. 

The day had waned, and night was again stealing on. 

Merchants and bankers lingered after their usual hour 
of retiring, to give extra precaution to those in charge of 
closing, so nervous and timid had this exciting and auda- 
cious robber made them. 

And what of Lawrence ? 

How had the day passed with him. 

Delirium had followed resuscitation and it was only at 
intervals that he seemed to even realize who he was. 

The Cammons went around to the physician’s again 
on their way up town, but were advised not to see him, 
or to try in any way to tax his memory with the eveuts of 
the previous night, while in his present enfeebled state. 

Again enjoining the physician regarding the care and 
attention bestowed upon “the poor boy,’’ as old Mr. 
Gammon termed him, they left for their up town home. 


CHAPTER VI. 

THE CONVALESCENT. 

The next day passed, and everything about the office 
of the scene of the great robbery had assumed its usual 
aspect. 

Guy lay in the same room at the physician’s house, 
weak, and scarcely alive. He had, in reality, suffered in- 
tensely, and had he not been found as he was, probably 
another hour would have found him securely locked in 
the arms of that sleep that knows no waking. 

His flesh still showed visibly the deep creases made by 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


41 


the cords, and the least movement or touch gave him in- 
tense pain. He spoke latterly in the day, but feebly, and 
seemed averse to any exertion, lying with his eyes closed, 
and they sunken,, with dark shades around them, and 
his pallid lips told the tale of his night’s suffering. 

His employers and friends were in and out often to see 
him, but as yet, none had been allowed to broach the sub- 
ject to him. 

On the morning of the third day, after a night of rest 
and freedom from fever, he awoke more like himself. 

Everything seemed mysterious and strange. The room, 
its surroundings, the attendants were all unlike his usual 
home, but he was too weak to talk, and only said, after 
gazing about him for a while: 

44 What day is it ?” 

“To-day is Friday,” was the answer of the doctor’s 
assistant, who was alone with him. 

The physician just then came in, and looking at his pa- 
tient, said: 

4 1 Well, we have somebody brighter this morning. How 
is it, Mr. Lawrence, feel more like yourself?” 

44 Well, I can’t say who I feel like. I must get to my 
room, ” at the same time essaying to raise his head, but the 
slight effort was enough. 

44 Tut — tut,” said the physician, 44 none of that until 
you have had some stimulus in the shape of a tonic, and 
your breakfast.” 

Too weak to reply, Guy stared at the doctor vacantly, 
and he turned to his assistant, and gave him a quiet 
order; at the same time taking a bottle and spoon from 
the table, he quickly prepared an effervescing potion which 
Guy swallowed without query, and which quickly took 
effect, shown in his brightening eye, and the tinge of color 
on his cheek. 

Just then a light and delicate repast was brought, and 
he soon found that eating was quite a relish* • 


42 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


“ Doctor, will you see that there is no delay about my 
getting up town to my rooms ? I cannot compose myself 
— cannot seem at home elsewhere.” 

“ Certainly,” said the good-natured physician, ” you 
can be removed at an early hour this morning, and doubt- 
less the drive will strengthen you.” 

A carriage was soon at the door, and he was slowly 
driven to his own home. Once more in his own suite of 
apartments, he could think. 

He had lain the latter part of the night previous in a 
state of uncertainty. The deed that had been accom- 
plished, the cords that had bound him, the gag that 
made his jaws so frightfully painful were all vivid enough, 
but why he should be unconscious of what followed, he 
could not realize. 

And once or twice he trembled, fearing that in his sleep, 
or delirium, he might have said too much; and wondered 
had he betrayed himself. 

After resting for a time on his luxurious couch, things 
became more real, and he could remember that he fainted 
when counting the hours in the safe that he must still 
suffer, and he could easily realize how he had been taken 
to the physician’s while still unconscious. But of one 
thing he could not be assured until he had seen Mr. Cam- 
mon, or his son, and noted their treatment of him — 
whether in his tortured fancies he had enacted the scene 
over again. 

He was not long left in suspense, for immediately his 
employers found he had been removed, and was himself 
again, they lost no time in reaching his bedside. 

The servant announced that they were in the parlor 
below, and he sent a request that they should come to 
him. The few moments that intervened between the 
request and the entrance was to him a short eternity. 
And well was it that his weakened state was a sufficient 
disguise for his startled look and trembling body. 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


43 


One look at them, however, reassured him, for their 
countenances expressed nothing but friendly sympathy. 

He raised his head as they came toward the couch, and 
Mr. Cammon, Sr., springing forward, said: 

“ Don’t move, my boy. Thank God, you can speak ! 
How are you ? Much better, I trust?” 

” Heigho 1” said young Cammon. ” How is it, Law- 
rence, coming out all right ?” and each, in turn, took him 
by the hand. 

“ Thank you sincerely for your interest; I imagine I’ll 
get the best of it in a few days. But tell me, pray, what 
has happened ?” 

” Don’t you know ?” said the old man. “ You ought to 
remember, if anybody, Guy ; they say suffering makes us 
over-sensitive to actual occurrences, and sure it is.” 

” You have been the bodily sufferer, ” said the younger. 

And at the same time, saving to himself: ” Egad ! I 
wouldn’t have gone through what he has, for the sum 
lost!” 


CHAPTER VII. 

A WELL TOLD TALE. 

Guy lay for a moment as if trying to recall the terrible 
circumstances, pressed his hand over his eyes, and said: 

‘ ‘ I recollect something terrible, something so sudden 
and unexpected. What was it?” 

“ You remember you were in the office at night?” 

“ Yes, I recollect that perfectly.” 

‘ ‘ You know that we have been robbed, that the keys 
have been taken from you ?” said Mr. Cammon. 

“ Robbed! They carried it out, did they? But how 
much was taken, Mr. Cammon?” 

“ Why, all that was in the safe, the five hundred thou- 
sand dollars.” 


44 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


“ Great heavens! do you tell me that, and was no dis- 
covery made ? Did no one see or hear anything whereby 
a clue might be gained?” said Guy, with great excite- 
ment. 

“ None, whatever, unless you have one; both robbers 
and plunder have vanished from sight. Everything has 
been done — every avenue visited where a clue offered, 
but thus far it’s the greatest mystery Wall Street has ever 
known.” 

“ What can you recollect of the affair, Lawrence ?” said 
young Cammon. 

” Oh, I’ve done nothing all the morning but to try and 
remember; but everything seems so vague, it’s so like a 
horrid nightmare. You know I stopped late, there were 
those quotations to be got ready, and then the late mail 
by the overland route, you said they must be answered 
by early morning mail. I dftmot rest if anything impor- 
tant is left undone, so I thought it better to finish while I 
was in the office, than to pass a sleepless night over the 
unfinished work, and hurry down in the morning. I did 
so, and it was fully half past nine when I was done, and 
after seeing that everything was as usual, I unlocked the 
door, and opened it. Two powerful men rushed upon 
me, from where I know not, it seemed as if they dropped 
from above into the doorway. They quickly shoved me 
inside. I attempted, and partially succeeded in getting 
loose from them, putting my foot in the door to prevent 
their shutting it. Just as I opened my mouth to scream, 
a huge fist was closed over it, I was drawn back, the door 
closed and locked; I was quickly gagged and bound to a 
chair, and there I was obliged to submit to their overhaul- 
ing my pockets, until they found the keys.” 

Lawrence stopped as if to get breath, and pointed to a 
bottle on the mantel. Young Cammon took it, and read- 
ing the directions, poured a teaspoonful in half a glass of 
ice water, and gave it to him. 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


45 


“ I fear we are taxing you too greatly Guy, my boy,” 
said the elder gentleman. 

“ Yes, that’s so,” said the younger, and with reluctance 
in his tones, as if they wished to know it all — “ Shall we 
go, and hear the rest when you are stronger ?” 

“ No — oh, no!” said Guy — “ this revives me, I was 
thirsty — that gag has raised the deuce with my mouth and 
throat.” 

“ Well, rest when you wish,” said the old gentleman, 
whose greater loss was swallowed up in the thoughts of 
Guy’s peril. 

‘‘You know I had the keys to both safes, as well £s the 
outer door. They took those, and evidently thought the 
money would be found in the brick safe, pulling out papers 
and upsetting everything. Was’nt everything in fearful 
confusion ?” 

“ You may well suppose that,” was the answer. 

“ Wh^n they did not find it, I heard them muttering 
something about * depositing,’ ‘ ill luck,’ and ‘ hurrying to 
catch ’ something. Then they turned to the other, 
opened it, and took out the box; when I saw the man lay 
his hand on that, I fainted, and when I came to, was just 
being thrown into the safe — as the door shut, I recollect 
one of them saying: 

“ I knowed they hadn’t deposited, for I’ve shadowed 
’em all (Jay.” 

“ It’s just as I thought,” said old Mr. Cammon. 

And the young man nodded his head thoughtully, 
and then said: 

“ And can you remember nothing about them, were 
their looks or voices at all familiar to you ?” 

“ They were disguised, evidently, but there was nothing 
about them to remind me of any one with whom I ever 
came in contact; I think I should know the one that 
gagged me, for I threw up my arm and knocked his hat 
off. He was bald-headed.” 


46 


AS FATE WOULD 1IAVE IT. 


“ Poor clue, that, in these days of bald-headed men. 
Probably they are making their way to another country 
with their ill-gotten gains, ere this,” said Mr. Cammon, 
spiritedly. 

” I fear it, too. Why — why was I unconscious ? Why 
did I not possess greater nerve, and keep my senses for 
the morning?” said Guy, bitterly. 

” There — there, boy, do not murmur, rather thank 
God you are alive; everybody says it’s wonderful how you 
endured such torture so many hours !” 

“ Then Mr. — both of you — you do believe I did my 
best, that I was not unguarded in any way ? Oh, how 
sorry I am that it should have been I !” 

“ No, Guy, if the money were to be stolen, as it was, 
and we never recover it, ’twere better you were there than 
any one else, or had it been some other, a lingering doubt 
might have existed as to complicity; as it is, it is a mis- 
fortune. You did all you could, and in such a sudden 
surprise you could hardly have held your own against one, 
let alone two, had you been ever so strong. You say they 
were powerful men ?” 

” They seemed like giants in size, as they sprang to my 
side. Yes, they were powerful men! I have always felt 
we ought to have a watchman, as you remember. I’ve 
often expressed myself to you,” said Lawrence, after a 
moment’s pause. 

” I know — I know; but it has always seemed to me we 
were securely shut in against burglars. Our safes are the 
strongest, the locks the best, I’ve always felt most secure; 
but from this time out, we must have a watchman; and 
I’ve had the locks on both safes changed. No telling 
where those keys are, but now we have combination locks, 
the secret of which will be known to but one.” 

” Yes — yes; do so, would that I’d not had the keys on 
that fatal night.” 

" I am not prepared to say that. Had you not, they 


47 


AS HATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

might have murdered you, as well. Revenge they would 
have had in some shape and form, and such men never 
scruple at a life.” 

Even so, I would have escaped all this remorse, this 
self-abasement, to think you, sir, who have been every- 
thing to me, should have suffered such a loss through me.” 

“ But you look at it in too severe a light. It would 
have happened the same, had I or my son been there; we 
hold you blameless, and only hope you may recover 
speedily from the effects of your sufferings.” 

” Well, father, shall we get down town ?” 

” Yes — yes, always ready, we have talked to Lawrence, 
and kept him talking too long. Now, you take care o 
yourself, some of us will get around to see you often, and 
you must hurry up and get strength, for your cool young 
brain will be sadly needed after this crippling affair.” 

” And, Guy,” said young Cammon, “ we’ll take care 
that you are not put in such danger again. Why, had 
you died, I could never have forgiven myself.” 

“ Good-bye; God bless you ?” said the old gentleman, 
and the younger shook him by the hand, and begged 
him to rest after all the excitement, and he was left alone. 

Alone. How he had been longing for the moment, 
from the very instant he saw that he was looked upon as 
a martyr. 

Alone with his thoughts, and what were they? Tri- 
umphant after the mock air of misery he had donned for 
his employer’s visit; triumphant and exulting. 

” What, after all, is this pain and torture of a few days 
that I have experienced, in comparison with the years of 
wealth and happiness before me ? Why, I am almost 
afraid to close my eyes for fear it will prove but a dream, 
and that I am reveling in fancy. Ah, I’ve reveled these 
many years in fancy, that I was rich Guy Lawrence, the 
banker. It may not — cannot be that yet, but it can be, 
Guy Lawrence, of Murray Hill — and Edith, she has heard. 


48 


AS FATE WOULI HAVE IT. 


Does she suspect it’s our compact sealed ? Ah, that I 
could see her — drop her a line; but no; after this success, 
after this deep-laid plan ne’er missing shore, I’ll not be 
weak now. There is the bark where so many strand; 
success gained, they are inflated with their own wisdom, 
and some foolishly wreck it all, and strand in the gulf of 
ignominy. I’m faint. Ah! here comes the servant. A 
potion from the bottle, girl, I’m weak.” 

The girl handed it, and after closing the blinds, and 
dropping the curtains, as he requested, she left the room. 

“ And now, good news, lucky day, flitting vision of 
my life fastened in reality — I’ll sleep — sleep, gain strength, 
that I may soon enjoy the good fortune that awaits me. 
Edith is mine. Wealth is mine. Can man want more ?” 
and with this vision before him, he slept until day had 
settled into dusky eve. 

After being assured, as Guy Lawrence was, when the 
conference with his employers had closed, that his bold 
plot had thoroughly succeeded, his recovery was rapid, 
and the following Wednesday found him up and able 
to get around his room, and as strength came, there came 
with it the ardent desire to get the box, for which he had 
risked so much, into his possession. 

And on the evening in question, after his usual friendly 
callers had all been in, including Mr. Cammon, the elder, 
and Guy had promised to be at his desk the next day, 
if only for a short time, he had left, saying, as he shook 
him by the hand in his usual hearty manner: 

” We miss you, boy, and if you are not able to do 
much, come down and let them all see that you are worth 
a dozen dead men yet!” 

After watching from the window the old gentleman 
enter his coupe, Guy sat lost in thought, revolving 
through his mind just what would be his next safest move. 
He resolved to go to Aunt Chloe’s and get the box. 

Turning the gas low, he looked out in the hall, and 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


49 


quietly turning the key in the door, he made nis way 
from the house, knowing that if any one should go to his 
room, they would suppose him lying down, and go away 
without other thought. 

He took a stage down Broadway, getting out at Trinity. 

As he glanced down Wall Street, a chilling tremor 
passed over his frame, as he thought of the tragic scene, 
in which he had been the chief actor, that transpired on 
his last visit in that locality. 

Passing on. down Rector Street, his musings were not 
o’er pleasing, but he brought to bear the will that had not 
deserted him in greater emergencies, and by the time he 
had reached the door of his washerwoman, he was in his 
usual placid frame of mind. 

Aunt Chloe stood in the door, and as she saw him 
coming, she crossed her hands, and said: “ Bless the 
Lord!” 

Guy smiled, and said: ” well aunty, you look surprised; 
anything the matter ? Do I look ghost-like ?” 

“ Massa Lawrence, I’ve done nuffin but dream — dream 
— dream, since you war here and left that box ! I know’d 
suffin was going to happen and the udder night I dreamed 
I seed you laid out in a gold coffin. I went next day and 
played 74, 6, 7, and won three dollar, than I knowed suah 
it was true; and when I went up dar, with your doe’s 
Saturday night, and that waiter gal said as how I couldn’t 
see you, for you war drefful sick, I was that frustrated, 
that I tho’t I’d faint. Sez I, to the girl, an awful pert 
piece she is, too, sez I, ‘ Massa Lawrence a tickeler fren’ 
of mine, and I’d like to see could I do anything for 
him.’ ” 

“ ‘ Oh, you go ’long !” says she, ‘ guess Mr. Lawrence, 
do’t want no nigga s honeying ’round him,’ and with that 
she slammed the door in my face. Dem Irishers don’t 
neber know their place, Massa Guy, so they don’t.” 

“ Well, nevermind, aunty, had I known you were there, 


50 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


you should have come up; I was pretty sick for a few 
days, but am all right now.” 

“ I’se glad of dat, Massa Lawrence, for I was drefful 
worried, and sez to myself, ’sposin’ he should die, who 
would own de property he lef’ in my care, and I won- 
dered would it be proper and ’spectable to advertise I 
had it.” 

Guy laughed (rather sickly, too, as he thought of what 
might have followed in such a case), and said: 

‘‘Well, you see, aunty, I’ve turned up all right, and 
saved you the trouble, but, anyhow, I guess the box 
would hardly have paid for the advertisement; but I’ll 
take it now, and you’ll have no further anxiety.” 

“ Right am right, massa, and if de wust had come, the 
box would ha’ burned me if I’d a touched it, without try- 
ing to find its rightful owner — I never wants nuffin’ that 
belongs to anybody else,” and while sending these home 
thrusts to Guy, all unconscious though she was, she had 
removed the ornaments and spread from the table, and 
touching the spring, the drawer flew open. 

“ There, Massa Lawrence, that ar draw has been shet 
from the day you shet it till now, and I ’livers up your 
property as you lef’ it; no mortal hands has ’taminated 
it by a touch.” 

“ I know, of course it’s all right, aunty, and here’s a five 
for your trouble of mind over it ! Let me see — how much 
do I owe you for washing now, aunty ? You know I 
leave all this bother to you.” 

Don’t mention it, Massa Lawrence; I jest tink if every 
old nigga have such a good customer as you, they’d get 
along.” 

” Tut — tut ! as you say, right is right; the bill for wash- 
ing is due, what I choose to give you is another thing, so 
speak out.” 

M I’se ’shamed after your ’ceeding liberality, but it’s 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 51 

jest two dolla’, and I hope I please you with dem las’ 
shirts.” 

“All right, aunty, here’s the two, and now 1*11 take 
this box home; and if I’m not too tired will look it over, 
and see what it contains.” 

Don’t tax yourself too much, Massa Lawrence. I 
know’s you’s weak yet, for you is awful pale and pinched 
like, and you know when one gets a ’lapse after a fever, it 
goes wusser the second time nor the fust.” And Aunt 
Chloe looked the oracle indeed, as she gave her sage ad- 
vice to Guy. 

” I’ll take care, you need never fear; a dose of one 
week is enough for me. Well, ‘ so long ’ aunty, be good 
to yourself.” 

“ Good-night, Massa Lawrence, any time dis chile can 
serve you in any way, she’s more’n willing,” and Aunt 
Chloe bowed her visitor out of the door, little suspecting 
she had been the medium for carrying out the greatest 
fraud of the times. 

“ I’ve alius said that Massa Guy was a rale born gentle- 
man, and now I knows it; there must be suffern blood in 
him; jes’ like old massa down souf; never tickler about 
the change — dat makes twelve dolla’ he’s gin me within 
two weeks; ha, dis chile getting rich; wish more men 
like what he is.” 

Guy walked up to Church Street where the Broadway 
cars turn, and having the collar of his coat turned up, as 
the evening was chilly, he entered an almost empty car, 
and carelessly placing his package between his feet, he 
settled down in the corner, thoroughly tired out and with 
his chin dropped upon his breast he took no note, and was 
noticed by none, except as a sleepy fellow traveler. 

Getting out at the corner of the street he was soon in 
his room, with his long wished for wealth safe in his 
grasp. 

Opening his trunk he placed it in the bottom, and 


52 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


securely locked it, and retired to rest without a thought 
of what the future might bring forth. 

The next morning he entered the office in Wall Street 
after all were there. The congratulations he received at 
his reappearance, from the senior banker down to Dennis, 
the porter, were sincere and abundant, and he felt, when 
they were over, that he was indeed the hero of the hour. 

Sensations follow each other so quickly in New York, 
that the greatest are but short-lived, and in a week this 
bold and daring robbery had been canvassed on every 
side, and the theory generally adopted by press and peo- 
ple that it had been carried out by experts, who had been 
laying their plans for a long time, watching the habits and 
movemens of the firm, and only struck the final blow when 
success was certain. 

The firm of Cammon was too old and trusted a firm for 
the least suspicion to fasten to them, as it might to many 
others on the street, and they met with encouragement 
and offers of assistance on every hand. 

Guy turned his whole thoughts and energies to restoring 
the fortunes of the crippled firm, and so able was he that 
the firm more than once congratulated themselves upon 
his recovery. He seemed more lost and morose than 
ever; and Mr. Cammon, feeling that he was suffering in 
mind for the loss they had sustained through him, took 
pains to cheer him, and to let him see no blame attached 
to him. 

“ Why, Guy, my boy, no use crying over spilled milk, 
we are coming out all right ! Cheer up ! it might have 
been worse. You might have been killed outright. 
Come — come, no more repining, the future is before us.” 

Rewards were offered. Detectives traveled here and 
there, but no tidings came of the lost money, and soon it 
was among the forgotten misfortunes, even with the prin- 
cipal losers. 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


58 


CHAPTER VIII. 

THE NEXT MOVE. 

A month had passed by, and Guy Lawrence was, to all 
appearances, the same as ever. And had he waited all 
this time without seeing Edith ? 

He had called once, and been told “she was out of 
town.” 

Sauntering leisurely up town one pleasant afternoon, 
when the promenade was lined with gayly dressed people 
out to see and be seen, and the drive thickly studded 
with handsome and stylish equipages, the occupants look- 
ing out benignly upon their less fortunate neighbors on 
the walk. 

Guy was really looking neither here nor there, until 
something intuitive told him eyes were upon him. He 
looked up quickly, and saw Edith and her mother in their 
carriage. Edith had her head quite in range with the 
window as if to attract his attention; he raised his hat and 
bowed; she at the same time bowed and drooped her eye- 
lids significantly, and the carriage had passed over to 
Madison Avenue. 

Guy walked on unconscious that many eyes of acquaint- 
ances were upon him, and many times it was whispered 
by those who passed him: “ That is the man who was 
gagged and bound in Wall Street.” 

His thoughts were busy as to the next move. Edith’s 
telegraphing read: “ Come and see me.” Should he go 
that night, and should he take the box, or should he first 
go and see how the land lay. 

He finally concluded upon the latter as the best method, 
and turning off Broadway he was soon at his rooms. 

After dinner he went out, and walking slowly along 


54 


AS FATE WO ELI HAVE IT. 


(Guy had become very methodical in his habits of late, as 
if any haste would be construed to his disadvantage), and 
finally Murray Hill was reached. He walked on the op- 
posite side from Edith’s residence, and as he was passing 
he saw something white flit across the window, and quickly 
after, the vestibule door opened. 

Guy passed quickly over, and in a moment was within 
the doors, for Edith had taken the precaution to close the 
inner door after her. 

She took his extended hand in both hers, and said: 

“ Guy, what a stranger !” 

** Do you think so, my love ? Then I have not been 
forgotten. But you have heard of me, surely, Edith?” 

” Have I not heard of you? Has not every one heard 
of Guy Lawrence and his narrow escape in protecting the 
property of his employer ? Oh, Guy ! you do not know 
how I have missed you, and — ” 

“ And yet you left town while my greatest peril 
lasted.” 

‘ ‘ My love ! my king ! could I, dare I, show more than 
ordinary interest ? What was Guy Lawrence to me more 
than a thousand others ?” 

“ Edith, you remember when last we met, you remem- 
ber our compact ?” 

“ Guy, could I forget ?” 

“ And your mind is not changed ?” 

“ I am ready to be your queen.” 

” You heard of the immense sum taken from our firm ? 
of my — ” 

” I heard and read it all, Guy, and do you doubt I, too, 
suffered, fearing you might die ?” 

” I did indeed suffer, Edith, but you hoped and be- 
lieved ?” 

“ I felt sure, Guy, you were suffering for a purpose; 
that Guy Lawrence had never put himself in the toils with- 
out certain recompense.” 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


o5 


“You are right, love. When shall I come and bring — " 
’Sh; come this time to-morrow night. I will be 
ready for you.” 

“ I will; until then, good-night; be cautious.” 

“ No need to tell me, love, I’m the soul of caution,” 
and drawing his face to hers she exchanged kisses with 
him, the door opened and shut, and she entering the 
other, went quietly to her room. 

The next day Edith went to her parents and demanded 
a check for five hundred dollars. 

They both trembled, for well they knew from former 
experience the storm that was to follow. 

“ Why, Edith, my love,” said her mother, in her usual 
wheedling tone, “ what, my dear, do you need of such an 
amount ?” 

“ Come — come, lassie remember father is not made of 
money !” said the old gentleman, treating it in a light of 
a joke. 

“ That’s neither here nor there; I’m so tired of all this 
twisting and screwing to pretend we have what we have 
not, I am going to give an evening reception, get my 
wardrobe in readiness and clear out.” 

“ Oh, Edith — Edith !” said her father, now thoroughly 
aroused, “ money is awful tight, I can’t. You must not 
think of any useless expenditure just now; I assure you 
my love, father is doing everything he can.” 

“ Edith darling wait; your father may have some fortu- 
nate speculation that will give us ” 

“ Fortunate fiddlesticks ! He have good luck! yes if he 
made two hundred to-day, he’d lose five hundred to-mor- 
row. Now see here, I look upon you as two old fossils if 
you do have the honor of being my parents — I cannot re- 
member when I’ve not heard the song ‘ short of money 
and wait for a turn of luck.’ While we are waiting every- 
thing is getting threadbare and I am tired of this everlast- 
ing poverty.” 


56 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


44 Why Edith, how you go on. You know everybody 
thinks you are an heiress.” 

44 Bah! 4 everybody thinks ?’ well then, I’ll make it so; 
I’ve lived this way, as long as I will, the question is, will 
you submit to my interference, or shall I leave you to 
sink still lower in the depths of poverty ?” 

Mrs. Harvey sought woman’s refuge, tears, whilst the 
father went hurriedly to his desk and took out a package 
of papers, as if sure there was wealth among them. 

44 See here, mother, stop your snivelling, I’m used to it; 
you’ve been a cry baby ever since I can remember, and 
you, father, there’s no use overhauling your papers, they 
are dry as a last year’s bouquet, I want you to listen — 

44 I own this house, don’t I, it’s mine ?” 

44 Why, yes,” said her father, slowly, 44 when we are 
through with it.” 

44 You are through with it; well, nobody wants you to 
die, but I want to say to you I am going to take control 
now; you’ve run the thing into the ground — I can do no 
worse, and think I can do better. Now, I want to know 
if you will quietly and willingly give this matter into my 
hands ? No questioning, no remarks, and above all, no 
whining.” 

44 Oh, Edith — Edith ! what disgrace this is — surely, you 
are not going to take boarders ?’ ’ 

44 Boarders, mother ? Have I ever been a fool ?” 

44 Well, my daughter, I hope you are not going to mort- 
gage the property ?” 

44 Now see here, I said no questioning; I’ve no idea of 
raising a little ready money, and then keeping my wits at 
work to pay for the raise; I say I’ll do better than you 
have done, man though you are, and you shall live in at 
least as good style as now, and I trust, more contentment. 
Will you agree to it ?” 

44 Why, my child, why do you expect, to succeed where 
your father has failed ? Don't 'get any strong minded 


57 


AS FATS WOULD HAVE IT. 

notions m your head. Wait; you may marry a rich man 
— you might before now, if you had not been so head- 
strong, I’m sure of it ?” 

“ Marry rich ! You and father have dwelt on that ever 
since I was in short dresses. I have made up my mind 
to please myself in that matter; but where’s the use of all 
this parleying and gabble; from this time I assume all 
control of this establishment, and you shall submit. Thwart 
my plans in any way, and disgrace will be sure to follow. 
From this day I’m mistress of my own home,” and as she 
finished the edict, she swept from the room, her eyes 
flashing fire. 

“ O, father — father ! what shall we do with that child ? I 
always said you’d ruin her, always letting her have her 
own way in everything,” and the old lady moaned and 
whined bitterly. 

“ I ? well now, mother, see here, that is most too much; 
why, if ( that girl cried for the moon when she was little, 
you’d scold the nurse because she didn’t get it for her. 
Come — come, we won’t quarrel; our race is about run. 
Let Edith take charge; she’ll soon tire of it, and maybe 
it’ll break her spirit a bit.” 

The old lady shook her head, wiped her eyes, smoothed 
her black silk skirt, and went off into a senseless jargon 
about the little respect children had for their parents 
nowadays, and how it was when she was young, never 
thinking that the fault could lie with the parents of to-day. 

The next day after, his interview with Edith, Guy Law- 
rence asked the privilege of a private interview with Mr. 
Cammon, and quite astonished him by announcing to him 
that he contemplated matrimony. 

” Good — good, Guy ! I’m glad to hear it. It’s just 
what you need, a wife to draw you out; I often wondered 
you never thought of it; and who is the lucky lady, my 
son ? Yes, son, I’ll call you.” 

“ Yes, do, Mr. Cammon, for you’ve been a father to 


58 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


me, and there is no one else to consult in this matter but 
you. You asked who was the lucky lady; perhaps, when 
you hear the name, you will consider me the lucky man — • 
it’s Edith Harvey, the daughter of Mark Harvey, of 
Murray Hill.” 

“ Well, I should say you were open for congratulation; 
why, I recollect Miss Harvey, I often saw her in society 
last winter, a sparkling, majestic girl, and her father is a 
rich man, owns the house they live in. Yes — yes, a fine 
man; and, Guy, isn’t she the only child ?” 

” She is, sir — but I don’t know; I’ve hesitated a good 
deal. I — I’d dislike to have it said I married for money.” 

” There, now, don’t go to being foolish, send ’em to 
me; why, I’ll tell anybodyyou’d runaway from a fortune, 
sooner than marry to secure one. Go ahead; if things go 
all right we’ll make an increase of your salary before long 
— should have done it, had it not been for that confounded 
robbery. Little good may it do the getters of it, say I. 
But you just follow this right up f Why, it’ll be the mak- 
ing of you, to marry into such a family, and such a go- 
ahead girl as I think Miss Harvey is,” and the old gen- 
tleman gave him a good natured slap, as he left the 
office. 

“ It seems that way to me, too,” Guy dryly thought to 
himself, as he turned to his desk again. Guy never lost 
sight of appearances, and each day found him as late as 
any, and as keenly alive to his employer’s interests as 
ever. 

The time for closing came, but he remained some fif- 
teen minutes after the others had left, for he was too full 
of his thoughts to risk any intrusion upon them, by ming- 
ling with the others when closing time was near. 

At length he took his hat and cane, went into the outer 
office, nodded to the watchman, already on duty, passed 
out into the street, walked to the corner of Broadway, 
took a stage, and was rapidly jolted up town. 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


59 


Again night and the hour that he was to meet Edith 
drew on. He dressed himself with scrupulous care, and 
when it was dark enough that his movements might not be 
noted he sauntered leisurely from the house, and took the 
same direction as the night previous, but this time he car- 
ried a package in brown paper, probably a gift for his 
intended bride. 

Edith was on the watch, and opening the door, she put 
her fingers to her lips, and then motioned for him to fol- 
low her. 

He did so, and they went directly to a room in the up- 
per part of the house. They entered, and she quickly 
closed and locked the door. 

“ Well, Edith, here I am!” and he drew a long sigh, as 
if it was some relief to feel that another was to help carry 
the burden. 

“ Yes, Guy, and you are more than welcome — noble 
man !” 

“ Can you guess why I have come ?” 

“ To convince me that you have done what one man in 
ten thousand could not have done successfully. You have 
the five hundred thousand that detectives are hunting for 
across the water. Ha — ha ! I laugh when I think how 
skilfully you dusted all their eyes.” 

" Well, here it is, Edith,” and he tossed it on the 
couch, by her side. 

” Lucky man ! a fortune at a single stroke, and a hero 
and martyr beside. Why, Guy, there are no words to ex- 
press all you merit. ” 

“Yes, there is; and only one. Do I merit this long 
coveted hand ?” and he took her hand and pressed it to 
his lips. 

” Indeed, yes; from this hour it’s yours, my ideal hero! 
Guy, I’ve always loved you, and now I worship you!” 

‘ ‘ Well, when can I claim it before the world ? May I 
continue to plan ?” 


AS FATE would have it. 


“ Yes; tell me your wishes, and we will see how they 
can be carried out together,” said she, reclining her head 
lovingly on his shoulder. 

“ It seems to me there need be no delay about our mar- 
riage. You are, in reality, your own mistress, and our 
wishes are the only ones to consult. Your parents will 
hardly feel like interfering with your inclinations; will 
they, my love ?” 

“ No, indeed. I yesterday held a long conversation 
with them, which ended in my insisting upon assuming 
control here. It was a bitter pill for them, but I was firm, 
and shall have no further trouble.” 

“ In one month from to-night we will be married. You 
can make all preparation in that time, can’t you ?” 

“ Certainly I can,” was Edith’s loving reply. 

” In the meantime I will go on with my business the 
same as ever. And, darling, I feel sure that everything 
will go well with us.” 

” My heart is too full for speech to-night, Guy. It 
seems as if everything has been brought about so nicely, 
so securely, that I almost wish to sing with joy.” 

” I, too, am happy, Edith, but am looking forward to 
still greater,” said Guy, drawing her toward him caress- 
ingly. 

“ Of one thing, let us be cautious, however happy we 
feel we must betray no joy, no good fortune. Let us not 
forget that many eyes are upon us, and it is not for us to 
say how eagerly we will be scrutinized.” 

The conversation continued for some time, and after 
everything was arranged, even to the counting of the 
money, they canvassed where it was best to put it. 

” I have it,” said Edith. ” When father was in Japan, 
years ago, he secured this ebony escritoire. It h^s stood 
in my room many years, for when I was told I must put 
away my dollies, and go to school, now don’t laugh at 
me, Guy, I cried three days, and would only be pacified 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


61 


when mother consented to give me this valuable box to 
put my favorite dolly in. I did, with her wardrobe, lay 
her away as sacredly and tearfully as a mother would her 
eldest born, and it has never been touched by any one 
since. Mother thinks I lost the key at school. Suppose 
we put our treasure of mature years with that of child- 
hood ?” 

Guy readily consented, and Edith, procuring the key 
from her jewel casket, inserted it in the lock, and said: 

“ Now, Guy, open it.” 

Guy took hold of the jeweled knob, but it resisted his 
strength. 

Edith laughed, and slipping one hand under the box 
and one back of the lid, she pressed two springs at the 
same moment, and the cover flew open. 

Guy laughed as the upturned face of Dolly in her white 
satin party dress was exposed to view. 

” You put her away in style, didn’t you, Edith ?” 

” Yes,” she said, taking the doll and contents out. 
Touching another spring, still another drawer was ex- 
posed, and here they put their treasure, Edith reserving 
three one thousand dollar bills for present use. 

Everything was soon deposited, Dolly was replaced in 
its satin bed, and Edith, arranging the springs, turned the 
key, and touching a spring in her jewel case, inserted it 
in the side. 

“ Why, Edith, you abound in springs; I never saw a 
jewel case with a secret drawer in the side before.” 

“ I have a great love of knowing that everybody is not 
examining my possessions. That box was made to order 
years ago.” 

After a few moments’ more conversation and loving 
embraces, Edith unlocked the door, calling his attention 
to the fact that it was a new burglar attachment with a 
spring so that the door was never left open by any 
chance, 


62 


AS FATE WOULI HAVE IT. 


They went down stairs, and a good-night kiss at the 
door separated them and closed affairs for that night. 

As Edith turned to go up stairs again, she was con- 
fronted by both her parents who stood within the parlor 
door. 

They both stood staring at her as if suddenly bereft of 
their senses. 

“ Edith, my child, my daughter! what have you done ?” 
said her mother, as usual, sobbing. 

“ Edith Harvey, explain this at once !” said her father, 
with more of rage in his voice than she had ever before 
heard. 

“ Explain what ?” said Edith, smiling. 

“ Who was that who came from the upper room with 
you ?” said her father, sternly. 

“ That was Guy Lawrence, father, why ?” 

“ Why! Oh, Edith! do you stand there unblushingly, 
and tell me you entertained a gentleman in your private 
apartment ?” said her father, turning now pale, now red, 
as the thought of the disgrace passed over him. 

“ Yes, and shall do so again, if I choose.” 

“Edith — Edith! has it come to this? I thought my 
child had at least honorable instincts,” and the old lady 
buried her face in her handkerchief. 

“ Edith, explain this at once, or I shall take measures 
to show you that I am still your guardian and master.” 

“ There, there, you dear old goose !” said Edith, too 
full of happiness to-night to get in a temper, “ don’t ex- 
cite yourself, the explanation is easy ! In just one month 
from to-night, I shall be Mrs. Guy Lawrence.” 

“ Edith, what do you say ?” was the exclamation from 
both. 

“ It’s so, you dear old worthies, and you’d better prepare 
yourselves for having a son about the house as well as a 
daughter. But good-night, to-morrow I go shopping. 
$ee ? father, I asked you yesterday for five hundred; how 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


63 


is this?” and she took the notes from her bosom, and held 
them so they could see the denominations. 

“ Good-night, my dear parents !” said Edith, laughing 
at the stunned look of one and the horrified look of the 
other, as they saw her in possession of three thousand 
dollars. 

“ Mother, that girl has gone mad, I fear, what had best 
be done ?” 

“ Why, I don’t know; it seems to me she is wiser than 
we,” said the old lady, as the vision of the money still 
danced before her brain. 

Guy Lawrence went home with the happy heart of a 
child. His aim in life was secured, and now for a future 
of joy. 

He arrived at his room intoxicated with bliss; it almost 
seemed that he had been wafted home, so light and airy 
were his feelings. 

He entered, and turning up the gas, took a drink of ice 
water, pulled off his gloves, and laid aside his hat and 
cane, walked over to the table, and there lay a letter 
directed to ” Guy Lawrence, Esq.” 

Why should he tremble and gaze with dilated eyes ? 

Was it so unusual for him to receive a letter ? He took 
it, and broke the seal. 

” Dear Sir: I wish to see you at your earliest conven- 
ience. Am positive I have a clue to the robbery; thought 
it would be best to confer with you first. If convenient 
to you, will call to-morrow evening at eight; if any other 
time would suit your pleasure better, please drop me a 
line at — precinct. Yours, 

“ Harris Davies, Detective.” 

The letter fell from his grasp. Guy Lawrence sat with 
terror depicted on every feature ! Was he caught at last ? 


64 


A8 FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


CHAPTER IX. 

HOPE AND FEAR. 

Guy Lawrence was a thoroughly frightened.man. He 
tried to read, but no, the letters ran together, and created 
figure upon figure. 

He paced his room until he happened to think it might 
be noticed by the occupants beneath him, and finally dis- 
robing, he went to bed; not, however, without indulging 
freely in draughts of old cognac from the bottle on his 
table. 

It was impossible to sleep, his eyes seemed propped 
open, so fixed were they, and it was long into the night 
ere the brandy got the better of his excited nerves, and 
he settled into sleep; not a quiet, refreshing sleep but a 
fitful dreamy starting unrest. 

At one time he was tussling with imaginary robbers, at 
another officers were putting chains upon him, and he 
awoke to find himself writhing to get free from them. 

Morning found him nervous and unrefreshed, and his 
pale, haggard countenance told the story of his night’s 
torture in the toils of a guilty conscience. 

As he was dressing, he asked himself why he should 
thus tremble, and be so apprehensive at a mere note from 
a detective, and tried to argue with himself, had this 
Detective Davies thought of implicating him, he would 
not have wished to confer with him. And then the thought 
how fond they were of “ swag ” made him wonder if he 
knew, and was first intending to see how much he would 
give for silence. Hundreds of things revolved through 
his mind at railroad speed, until he was nauseated, pale 
and trembling, with the speed at which they chased each 
other through his brain. 

After drinking freely of brandy, he started for the office, 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 65 

arriving there later than usual, looking and seeming so 
unwell, that each in turn made inquiries regarding his 
health. And the Messrs. Cammon suggested that court- 
ing was so out of his line of business, that it had been too 
much for his equilibrium; and Mr. Cammon, Sr., proposed 
he should “ go in the country for a few days, and take a 
rest,” and as everybody seemed light-hearted and happy, 
and everything disagreeable had been forgotten, as the 
day wore on, he, rallied, and though little inclined to 
settle down at his desk, worried through the day, wishing 
and dreading for night to come. 

As he returned to his room at night, and thought how 
soon he must face this man, not knowing his motive or 
knowledge, he was too wretched to meet any one and so 
excused himself from dinner on a plea of illness. The 
kind-hearted landlady sent him up some toast and tea, but 
it was left untasted. 

He drew the detective’s letter from his pocket, and 
re-read it, weighing each word. 

“ Well, Guy Lawrence, aren’t you brave ? after going 
through with what you have, to tremble at a few lines 
written by, whom you know not — and — pshaw, coward ! 
time enough to tremble when danger appears,” and again 
he appealed to the brandy bottle. 

The brandy gave him strength, and as he took the even- 
ing paper, he said : 

“ Now walk right in, Mr. Detective Davies, as soon as 
you please; I think I can face man or devil ! if he knows 
more about this affair than I do, I’d like to hear him talk 
it over, ” and yet from the unsteady hand that grasped 
the paper, and the twitching of the eyelids and corners of 
the mouth, one viewing them, and listening to his talk 
with himself, would have vowed that he was not so 
anxious to see the detective as his speech would imply. 

Detective Davies was one of the race of men with which 
the world, and especially this city, is so well peopled. 


66 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


A man of unbounded egotism and self esteem, one who 
under a certain amount of bluster and high flown words 
gives a certain class of people the idea that he is a terror 
to evil doers, one before whose approach people quail at 
the mere inward thought, perhaps he sees something 
wrong in me. 

The detective was a medium sized man, with complexion, 
eyes, hair and mustache, all of the same hue, an indescrib- 
able yellow; and as eyes, brows, forehead, and hair could 
all assume an ominous frown at the same time if occasion 
offered, one can imagine that Davies had to the unini- 
tiated a very serious, condemning aspect; to those who 
stood somewhat in the light of confreres , while not abso- 
lutely working with him, he was known as “ the rat,” and 
his snapping and creeping propensities but little feared. 

Davies made no pretenses to belonging to the regular 
detective corps or secret agencies outwardly, but when 
swelling with importance and relating his bugbear advent- 
ures to some admiring disciple, the names of the chief of 
police, commissioners, chief of detectives, etc., the advice 
he had given them, and the orders he had refused to obey 
from them, for his “ plans were better,” were rolled forth 
in the very essence of volubility. 

Among those who looked upon Detective Davies as a 
paragon, only a remove in wisdom from the great 
Vidocque, was Mrs. Mollie Leonard, a bright, vivacious 
widow, with large black eyes, coal black hair, and the 
complexion of a healthy brunette. As to age she might 
have been thirty-five, probably not more than twenty- 
eight, for we must contend a healthy brunette widow r , 
deep in all the artifices of a woman’s make-up, is capable 
of deceiving every one, even her own mother, if she is 
short of memory, regarding her actual entree into life. 

Be it as it may, Mollie Leonard was a good-looking, 
smart little body, always bustffng around, giving advice 
to everybody, and always a fund of talk on hand on every 


AS FATE WOULD, HAVE IT. 67 

conceivable subject. And get her warmed up on any sub- 
ject with listeners equally enwrapped — the manner that 
she would roll out the polysyllables were regular eye open- 
ers to her listeners. To be sure these long words did not 
always fit in with exact symmetry to her subject, but then 
as she nor her hearers were at all aware of the error, why 
one word, so it was sufficiently large and long, answered 
the purpose as wall as another. 

Mrs. Leonard was a firm believer in Detective Davies. 
Sunday came she was a good Methodist, attended church 
regularly, and the minister was an oracle so far as he knew. 
Other days, her oracle was Mr. Davies; no one could 
reach to his height of knowledge, eloquence or sagacity; 
and Davies was much like a bottle of soda water — he must 
uncork or burst. He started directly for the house of 
the widow, knowing there he could unload without ques- 
tioning. 

Mrs. Leonard occupied three rooms in a quiet tene- 
ment, furnished neatly, and always in ample order. Her 
sewing machine showed evidence of constant use, and she 
belonged to that large class of females who are not 
obliged to work, oh, no ! but must have something to 
occupy her mind, so she dressmaked quietly; no vulgar 
sign, but a private custom among her friends, and as she 
was really an adept at her business, and moreover very 
reasonable’ in this city where dressmakers usually want 
twice the price of the fabric to put it in wearing order, 
she had a large carriage custom. 

But were they customers ? not at all ! It was “ my 
friend, Mrs. Kemp, called this morning before I had 
combed my hair, and I was so mortified," or " Mrs. 
Voorhes called for me to go driving, but I could not, for 
I had promised little Maggie Miller to finish her dress for 
the picnic ; she is a poor girl, you know, and a sweet little 
thing, I could not disappoint her, though I would so loved 
to nave driven through Central Park this morning," and 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


in this way Mrs. Leonard gave most people to understand 
she had sufficient income, but did dressmaking to keep 
her out of mischief. 

Her friend Davies was among the misled ones, and if 
he could have so forgotten his own importance, would 
almost have stood in awe of the little widow ; as it was, 
he held her in amazement at his position and attainments. 

On the afternoon which found Guy Lawrence in such 
perturbation, Davies made his way up East Eleventh 
street to the residence of Mrs. Leonard. 

A tap on the door was answered by a cheerful “ come,” 
for she evidently knew the tap, Davies entered with his 
awfully wise look on his countenance, and each greeted 
the other warmly. 

Mollie was quite inclined to the Quaker “ thee and 
thou ” with those she liked, and the detective was cer- 
tainly among the number. 

“ Ah, Detective Davies, come in ; how does thee find 
thyself to-day.” 

“ Oh, so, so, thank you, worked almost to death, some 
important cases on hand, that seem to require no end of 
skill and care to bring out successfully,” and the whole 
yellow paraphernalia of the cranium of the detective shook 
ominously, as if to say, they can’t escape me. 

” Well, but, my lad, thee will gain nothing by overwork, 
and sure those over you know your value too well to allow 
you to sink under the many weighty burdens they put 
upon you because of your superior skill.” 

“My superiors ? You mistake my dear madame, I own 
none. There are those who, perhaps, hold higher office 
than I, but they oftener come to me than I go to them, 
and if I did not stop their bungling many times the most 
important cases would miscarry woefully.” 

“ Oh, I know, my dear Davies, that all depends upon 
thee, but when I spoke, I men n't that you were under their 
direction, and perhaps they required too much, not caring 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


69 


to have those of less capabilities entrusted with such im- 
portant matters.” 

“ Just so — just so. It’s not that alone, but I tell you, 
Mollie, I have the entire detective force on my hands; it’s 
‘ Davies here,’ ‘ Davies there ’ and ‘ where is Davies ?’ 
until I sometimes am led to wonder what this city would 
do if Davies should sometime kick in the traces, and leave 
the city to their crude ideas of detective duties.” 

“ Oh, my good man, thee would never do that. It’s 
bad enough now, what would it be if left to those numb- 
skulls ?” 

The detective shook his head, and rolled his eyes signi- 
ficantly, as much as to say: ” What, indeed.” 

“ Will thee have a sup of beer, my friend, you look so 
weary ?” 

” Well, I don’t mind. Can we get any of the little 
urchins about the house to go for it ? I really cannot think 
of your coming in contact with those people in a beer 
shop; and as for me ” 

” You ! do you think, Detectiv Davies, I would allow 
you to demean yourself to bring beer ? No, indeed !” and 
she started out with her pitcher. 

“ Here, Mollie dear, let me pay for it; I must insist.” 
At first she refused, but after a little bantering she con- 
sented and took the money. In fact, neither were so well 
stocked with the filthy lucre but they would have been 
glad to let the other pay for the beer. 

Mollie brought out some English cheese and bread, 
for she still stuck to the old English home custom of 
serving beer, bread and cheese to all real friends. 

The beer was brought. Mollie and Davies drew up to 
the table for their impromptu feast, and as they quaffed 
their beer, each got enthusiastic, and the detective com- 
municative. 

” Thee said when here last that thee was about looking 
into an important case; what success, good, man ?” 


70 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

“Ah, what success? why I have everything dead to 
rights. I have made my first appointment with one of 
the principals for to-night; success is assured. I have 
only to let my hand fall and the greatest robbery of the 
times is exposed. I never move until everything is 
secure, and then failure cannot come.” 

“ Will it be in the papers, Mr. Davies ? and will they 
give thee the glory thee deserves.” 

“ The papers ! Mollis, my dear, I have the newspapers 
under control ; they know better than to mention my 
name; that’s where so many public men are deceived, by 
allowing the newspapers to say so much about them. 
Sometimes, when some minor affair comes up, why, just 
to gratify them, I consent, otherwise my order is impera- 
tive, not a word — not a word ! or incur my displeasure.” 

“ Now doesn’t that show thee to be awfully wise ? for 
I know most people grow fat on seeing their name in 
print.” 

” All bosh, perfect bosh ! Let me fill your glass, child; 
this is the real cheese, isn’t it ? Well, as I was saying, 
newspapers are frauds, and are just as likely to mix things 
up, and give all the praise to some namby pamby that 
knows nothing, as to me, that plans it all. No, Mollie, 
give me a name for the future, a name that will for all time 
shine in the highest pinnacle of lasting fame, Davies, the 
prince of detectives !” and the detective, elated with beer 
and the thought of that pinnacle, arose from his chair, 
full of sublimity. 

“ I tell you, Mollie, it’s coming. The one case I have 
in hand now is enough to fasten everlasting fame on its 
exponent. I am sure that it remains for me to unravel one 
of the deepest, darkest and most skilfully carried out rob- 
beries, which almost included murder, of this century. 
Don’t think me vain. Don’t say egotism, for I tell you, 
my girl, it’s truth,” and the detective sank into his 
chair for more beer. 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


71 


No, indeed, detective, I could not think thee vain. 
Hast thee not told me of thy many noble deeds and do 
I not know that to-day thee might stand at the head of 
the profession in this city if so inclined ? Vain ! why, I 
often say to others if Detective Davies had the cheek of 
some, he would be ahead of Pinkerton and all the rest. 
Indeed I do, for I think it’s the hardest lot of life, merit 
unrewarded.” 

“ Here’s my reward, sweet girl,” and the detective 
struck where his conscience and heart were supposed to 
be located. 

” Here’s the assurance that Davies prizes most; the 
reward will and must come; a man cannot do what I am 
doing without it, and if in no other shape the conscious- 
ness that men tremble at my knowledge, and shrink at my 
cunning, is sufficient.” 

Beer and a transfixed listener were doing their work, 
the froth was fast escaping, the detective felt better, there 
were at least two persons in the world that knew Detective 
Davies to be the king of his calling, and the sphinx before 
whom the guilty trembled. 

“ Well, Mollie, my dear,” and the detective got endear- 
ing, as he drew his chair nearer the widow, and toyed with 
her ear, patted her cheek, and quite on the cat system, 
stroked her down. ” I must be getting on — important 
business to-night. Let me see, eight, and it’s now five, 
three hours, and I must snatch a wink of sleep between. 
I was up nearly all night last night trying to unearth some 
rogues in the Bowery, and I feel the need of rest.” 

“ Did you succeed, detective, and have them all 
arrested ?” was the widow’s query, quite loth to have the 
detective leave. 

“ Succeed — I succeeded in getting them nabbed, and 
then was obliged to go across town on an important mat- 
ter, and as usual, unless I do everything myself, the men 
I left in charge let them slip through their fingers.” 


72 AS FATE WOULD II A VE IT. 

“ Oh, that was too bad, but thee cannot be everywhere 
at once.” 

“ No, but if this affair I’m on now is successfully car- 
ried out, and it will be unless some of my stupid aides 
make a balk, I see before me splendid achievements. I 
shall make thousands of dollars, and then, Mollie, love, I 
can rest. Would the little girl be willing to share such 
good fortune when it comes, even though it may be years ? 
would you be willing to go to some far off isle, and there 
we two live apart from this great world of which I am so 
weary, and feel and realize the bliss of which Moore has 
sung ?” 

Mollie dropped her head on his shoulder, too full for 
utterance, and he, thinking how little he knew of her 
bank account, and how far he was from embarking for 
that little isle, kissed her forehead, patted her cheek, 
and said : 

“ Well, little one, siren, I must go; duty calls, and I’ve 
kept you all this time from your work,” and he looked at 
her keenly for in truth with all his detective abilities, 
Davies had as yet been unable to ascertain whether the 
widow possessed means for two, or, if he married her, 
his uncertain and precarious income must support both. 
Had he full knowledge that she had an ample bank 
account, the widow was fair, and with such knowledge, 
he would be nothing loth to make her Mrs. Davies. 

She in turn thought the detective must have heaps of 
money from his many successful adventures, and often 
pictured to herself how nice it would be to have so brave 
and daring a detective for a husband, who had only to 
frown and money poured in upon him. 

” My work, Mr. Davies. Oh, that’s but play; what is 
not done to-day can be to-morrow. If I didn’t work, I 
might be tempted to promenade the streets and go gossip- 
ing about. One’s time must be employed, you know.” 

” Well, whatever you do, don't' do that. We detectives 


73 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

see enough of women who have po better object in life 
than to flaunt about the streets. You must be happy, 
with nothing but your own inclinations to serve. But I 
must away. I have a stern duty before me to-might, and 
it will probably be followed by many days of close work. 
I may be called from the city, so I cannot say when I shall 
see you again. Think of me sometimes, will you ?” 

“ Will I ? Too often, perhaps. Take care ot thyself, 
for I fear thou art too brave for thine own safety.” 

‘ ‘ A brave man in my calling never thinks of himself. 
Good-bye; be good to yourself,” and pressing her hand, 
at the same time the yellow appendage of hair and eyes 
drawing on its fiercest detective elevation, he strode from 
the place. 


CHAPTER X. 

HE CAME AT I, AST. 

“ Shure, an Misther Lawrence, there is a man in the 
parlor that wud be afther seeing yez, ’ ’ was the greeting 
Guy Lawrence received from Ireland’s daughter, as he 
bade her come in, in response to her rap on his door. 

“ Well, what does he want, Nora ?” 

“ I dunno. I asked him for his card, as any gintleman 
wud be after giving without the axing, and he sez as how 
yez was aspecting him, so I came to tell yez.” 

“ Oh, yes. Well, Nora, show him up ; it’s an awful 
bore,” said Guy yawning. 

lt Yez right; he looks like a bore, anyhow, with his 
yeller eyes and hair,” and Nora felt better that she had 
expressed herself about the man who frowned upon her 
so awfully when she opened the door. 

As she went down the stairs, Guy glanced in the glass. 


74 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


“ Pshaw ! I look like a ghost; ha, that anyone should 
have the power to move me thus!” And seizing the 
brandy, he turned out and quaffed instantly a liberal 
“ pony,” and tossed a “ joker ” in his mouth, as a tap 
sounded on the door, and reverberated through his system 
at the same time. 

” Come in,” was the answer. 

The door opened, and the man with peculiar yellow 
eyes, and brows to match, and a shock of yellow hair that 
no earthly hand could tame into submission, and which 
seemed so loose on his head that any movement of his 
eyes or forehead seemed to raise the whole front of his 
scalp instantly, entered. 

He gave a keen look at Guy and the surroundings, as 
he stood within the door, as if feeling the way before 
intruding further. 

” Good-evening, sir,” said Guy, the first to speak. 

“ Ah ! this is Mr. Guy Lawrence ?” asked the detect- 
ive, still wondering how he was to be received. 

” I have the honor of answering to that title, sir, at 
your service.” 

“ You are Mr. Guy Lawrence, the confidential clerk of 
Cammon & Son, in Wall Street?” he continued, without 
moving, except that his scalp gave a slight rebound, which 
made Guy open his eyes, for it seemed ready to take 
leave. 

“ I hold that position. Can I do anything for you ?” 

“ Ah ! thank you; I am cautious — we detectives that 
know our business always are — , never give myself away, 
always make sure of my man, and before talking, too. 
Caution is the word, if one means business.” Guy remem- 
bered a very like expression on a memorable night not far 
off, and his confusion was apparent, as he asked the 
detective to be seated. 

Davies placed his hat upon the table; he bent a look 
upon Guy, who had his eye upon him, moving eyes, fore- 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


75 


head and hair at the same time, in a manner that seemed 
to say: “ Now, look out for me.” 

“ A fine evening, Mr. Lawrence.” 

“ It is lovely,” said Guy, detecting a tremor in his voice 
that made him thoroughly angry with himself. 

” Yes, ah, lovely. You received my note, Mr. Law- 
rence ?” 

“ I did, sir. Let me ask, are you attached to head- 
quarters ?” 

“What, sir? I cannot answer; we detectives never 
explain why’s or wherefore’s, nor the extent of our 
resources,” was Davies’ reply, in his most pompous 
manner. 

“ Indeed ! where is the impropriety in this case, pray 
tell me ? At any rate, if you cannot give me your status, 
I must decline any conversation with you.” 

The detective frowned with full force on Guy, saying: 

“ Young man, have you given this business a thought? 
Is it possible you treat it lightly?” 

“This business? Pray explain yourself?” said Guy, 
determined not to betray himself in any way. 

“ Why, the mysterious robbery of your house,” said he. 

“ Well, I hardly think it were possible for any one con- 
nected with the house not to give it a thought, ” replied 
Lawrence. 

“ That is as I suppose; indeed, any detective would 
look for the same reply.” 

‘ ‘ And supposing I have, what then ?” 

‘ ‘ Why, then, the business before me is made far easier. ’ 

“ Yes, but not so fast, man, please bear in mind you 
have not shown me your authority for acting yet.” 

“ Well, sir, I am Davies, the Detective.” 

“ Yes, your note informed me of the same thing, still 
that note or your word does not carry all proof; so you 
might have written me you were King of Sweden, it would 


76 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


by no means make it so. I have no proof who you are, 
beyond your own statement.” 

Ah, Mr. Lawrence, very smart — shrewd, I suppose it 
might be called. I must, however, tell you I scorn cre- 
dentials, I bind myself to no agency, no regulations, and 
yet I have unearthed most mysterious crimes, and brought 
to justice criminals who had eluded the grasp of our best 
detectives. I determined to unearth and bring to light 
this great robbery and would-be murder of yourself, and 
I have done it !” raising his hair and eyes and striking 
his fist on the table at the same time. 

44 Indeed? you interest me; what have you found out 
about it ?” 

“ Aha ! Am I a professional and disclose my secrets ? 
No — no ! I work alone, and scarcely let my right eye know 
what my left seeth.” 

44 Have you seen either of the firm ?” 

44 I have consulted none; you are the first one I have 
approached on the subject.” 

44 And you think you will succeed ?” 

44 Indeed, I may as well say I am sure of it, it’s nothing 
to what I have done.” 

44 And what clues have you, may I ask ?” 

44 It would be unprofessional for me to tell.” 

44 Indeed, you seem quite a stickler at professional scru- 
ples. But pray tell me in what manner do you intend, 
using me in this business, and why favor me with your 
first disclosures ?” 

44 I propose getting a few points from you. ’ 

44 But suppose I refuse to recognize you or your authority 
in this- business, without your credentials ?” 

44 It will only go to strengthen a theory that I have 
formed.” 

44 And that ?” 

44 It would be unprofessional to disclose/' 

44 Well, then, we will make this business very short; so 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


77 


long as you narp so much upon ‘ professional * nonsense 
and secrecy, why, it’s useless for you to waste your time 
here; if you have really learned anything that will solve 
this mystery, and will impart it, why, my word is as good 
as yours. I’ll keep it a secret and help you all in my 
power; but if you still persist in your blind rigmarole, why, 
good-night, at once.” And Guy arose and went to the 
window, looking out upon the night, feeling thoroughly 
bored. 

Davies was taken aback; his loose scalp and yellow 
eyes worked nervously, and he looked at Guy wonderingly. 

“ Well, of course I am willing to do what is right, but 
you know we professionals guard our secrets with jealous 
care.” 

” Yes, from one another, which is all very right in its 
place; with me it is different. You came here for assist- 
ance, you will find none more willing to give it than I, 
if the conditions are complied with.” 

“ Well, it’s stepping aside from professional courtesy, 
but ” 

“ Profession ! let’s have no more of that, but go on with 
ordinary business; now proceed.” 

“ Well ” 

” Here, have some brandy first,” said Guy, seeing 
him look longingly toward the bottle. 

“ I don’t care if I do; this constant professional duty 
is very wearing, and I am really weary to-night.” 

Guy looked at him and wondered how much such con- 
stant duty he struck. 

“ Only a little, Mr. Lawrence, a detective must keep a 
cool brain,” said Davies, and as the yellow hair elevated 
with the speech, Guy wondered if there was not pretty 
good circulation under there already. 

Guy poured them both a liberal portion, and it was 
drank by the detective, at least, with alacrity and a satis- 
fied smack, as he replaced the glass upon the table. 


78 


AS FATE WOULI HAVE IT. 


“ Now, then, I know all that the papers have said about 
this affair. I have been watching all the heavy weights 
in the thieving fraternity ever since, and I am decided in 
my own mind who did the job. I come to you for two 
reasons — one, there are some people who think you know 
more about the affair than you tell.” 

“ Sir !” said Lawrence, springing up and catching hold 
of his chair, as if to fell even the insinuation quickly to 
the earth. 

44 Be calm, dear sir. Of course I have my own theory, 
and in establishing that theory, I of course, vindicate you. ” 

Guy seated himself, breathing freer. 

44 Now, sir, can you give me anything like a personal 
description of these men ? You say there were two, I 
believe.” 

44 Well, yes, there were two, and I wish I could remem- 
ber more of them, but you, perhaps, can imagine how 
stunned I was at so sudden an attack.” 

44 I see — I see; but their height, their build ?” 

4 4 One of them was, it seemed to me, over six feet, slen- 
der, straight, and lithe; the other was more powerful, 
short, and thick.” 

44 As I thought. I know my men,” said Davies, and he 
reached for the brandy, uninvited. 

44 Help yourself, that’s right,” said Guy, 44 and you are 
sure of their identity ?” 

44 Detectives never boast; we never talk unless sure of 
what we say. I know my men /” 

“ I am more than glad to hear you say it,” said Guy, as 
a peculiar smile flitted across his features. 

44 I know you must be; but keep this secret, and let me 
work. I’ll show them at headquarters what a silent man 
with brains can do,” and the scalp moved, as if the brains 
were wishing for more mysteries to solve. “ I will go 
now, be guarded; leave it to me, I know my men,” and 
picking up his hat, he left the room. 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


79 


“ Confound him !” siad Guy, “ the idiot; he frightened 
me sure enough. Where the dickens did he spring from ? 
He looks like an ‘ ’af and ’af,’ a nondescript ! Wonder 
if that scalp of his has ever been lifted ? it seems mighty 
loose. Ugh ! I never want another such a fright; and 
not a clue, even, ha — ha ! He got one from me!” And 
Guy, in high spirits at the turn his gloomy thoughts had 
taken, soon tumbled into bed and fell asleep, in response 
to the rebound of his feelings from the previous night 
and day. 

The next day Guy related his experience with the 
detective at the office, and it was received with much 
merriment by them all, and passed off as a good joke; in 
fact, the best of the many that had originated out of the 
great robbery. 

The next evening the elder Mr. Cammon was seated in 
his library enjoying his evening paper and a choice cigar, 
when the servant announced a stranger on important busi- 
ness. He was ushered in, Mr. Cammon looked at him 
sharply through his glasses, and said: 

‘ ‘ Good-evening. Whom have I the pleasure of address- 
ing ?” 

“ My name is Davies. I am known as Davies the 
detective,” and to impress the old merchant, the whole 
upper portion of his head seemed to raise up and say: 

“ It’s so, and no mistake.” 

Guy had mentioned this peculiarity of the man, and 
Mr. Cammon could hardly refrain from laughing. 

“ So-so, a detective, eh ? what, pray, can I do for you, 
sir ?” 

Davies looked at him as if he must be out of his mind. 

He taking all this trouble to restore property to a man 
who had evidently forgotten that he had lost it. 

“ Surely this is Mr. Cammon ?” 

” It is, sir.” 

“ Senior of the firm of Cammon & Son 


80 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


44 Correct.” 

“You were robbed not long since ?” 

44 Correct, again.” 

44 You have no clue either to money or robbers ?” 

“ None whatever.” 

44 You would like to find them and have your money 
restored ?” 

44 Yes; why, were you one of the robbers, and wish now 
to turn state’s evidence, or what?” 

” Me, Mr. Cammon! me, Davies the detective ? Zounds ! 
this is infamous; did I understand you to ask me such a 
question?” and the yellow face almost turned copperas 
color, while the eyebrows and hair fairly danced a 
cancan. 

44 Don’t get excited, my friend, all this is useless waste 
of time. If you have the robbers, deliver them over to 
justice and the plunder to its rightful owners, and secure 
your reward; ten thousand dollars was offered, and will 
be paid. Are you ready for the money ?” 

44 You are too hasty, sir; detectives, especially a pro- 
fessional, always feels his way. Caution is the word.” 

“ Perhaps you will think me hasty if I tell you I have 
arrived at another conclusion ?” said Mr. Cammon, whose 
love of chaffing had induced him to prolong the conver- 
sation. 

44 Certainly not. Professionals take pride in listening 
to observations from the uninitiated,” said Davies, 
grandly. 

44 Well, I think you are an idiot, and there must be an 
asylum yawning somewhere. Now, if you are done with 
your professional humbuggery, you had better go and 
hunt up some other celebrated case to exercise your skill 
upon.” 

Davies was speechless; taking up his hat, he reached 
the door; turning, he said: 

4 4 1 know my men. I shall pounce upon them, restore 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


81 


your money, and turn from you as disdainfully as you 
turn from me now ” 

“ All right; the moment you do it, you will be worth ten 
thousand dollars more than you are now. Until then, I 
beg you to keep your distance from me.” 

And Davies, the detective, was waved from the room 
and house. 

The next morning Mr. Cammon had an experience to 
relate with the detective, and the whole thing was laughed 
off as an episode arising out of the circumstances, as they 
will from every event which stirs and awakens a nation 
or society. 


CHAPTER XI. 

WEDDING CHIMES. 

Time quickly flies, especially to happy ones — and the 
day arrived upon which Guy Lawrence and Edith Harvey 
were to be married. 

The firm, who looked upon Guy as their own son, had 
granted him a month’s leave, and the night before the old 
gentleman called him into his office, and for himself and 
son presented Guy with five hundred dollars. He refused 
to take it. 

“ No — no, Mr. Cammon, you have lost too much 
through me. I have about fifteen hundred in the bank, 
I shall draw from that.” 

“ Tush ! fiddle, boy, take it; we made that, and more, 
too, yesterday; go and enjoy yourself, you’ll make it up in 
getting back the happiest, luckiest fellow going. Why, 
I don’t doubt you’re the envy of half the men in your set; 
a handsome, stylish, rich, loving wife is not always swooped 
in at once in this city.” 

“ I do not wish to appear close, of course, but Edith 


82 


AS FATE WOULI HAVE IT. 


knows I am a poor man; to be sure we are to be married 
in Grace Church her father would have it so. I should 
have preferred a quiet wedding at home.” 

” Go in, old boy, keep up your end. Edith has got the 
money to keep up appearances hereafter, but don’t let 
your end lay low. Go and be happy, Guy, we will be 
there and join in the spirit of the wedding chimes,” and 
the old and young gentlemen both shook him cordially by 
the hand. 

Guy took the money and the ” God speed ” from the 
men he had robbed with perfect grace; he was a good 
actor, and they left him, thinking him both grateful and 
deserving. 

The Grace chimes pealed forth a wedding carol, ele- 
gantly dressed men and women stepped from handsome 
equipages under the canopy on the carpeted walk, and 
Brown, the inimitable, stood with the same smile and bow 
that has ushered at least three generations to marriage 
festivals. 

Every thing was gorgeous; Edith was dressed magnifi- 
cently, and Guy Lawrence looked the happy man and 
conqueror. 

” What a lucky man, without a dollar, to marry an 
heiress who worships him.” 

” At least one marriage for love,” growled an old 
bachelor, as he saw the devoted couple emerge from the 
church, and entering their carriage, followed by others, 
they returned to Murray Hill for a reception. 

Everything was carried out in great magnificence at the 
reception, for was not Edith an only child and heiress ? 

After the reception was over Edith was quickly arrayed 
in a lovely traveling costume, and the happy pair left for a 
trip up the lakes and through Canada, taking^vith them 
their secret and love, leaving behind them talk for a nine 
days’ wonder, made up of envy, gossip, and congratula- 
tions for a long and happy future. 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


83 


Four weeks and a few days were consumed in the bridal 
tour, four weeks of perfect bliss to both; and when they 
returned, so happy were they, that it seemed an Eden 
had again began on earth. Little thought either of them 
the serpent would ever enter. 

They returned, of course, to theHarvey mansion, which 
was henceforth to be their home. 

Edith immediately set about discarding old and dilapi- 
dated pieces of furniture, replacing them with the most 
elegant and voluptuous chairs and sofas. Lovely articles 
of vertu were scattered here and there, and Edith shone 
amid all this splendor the bright, and particular star. 

She did nothing that would seemingly involve her hus- 
band in a show of wealth. Certainly, Mr. Harvey, the 
wealthy owner of a Murray Hill residence, could afford 
his only child every indulgence, and now that she had 
taken formal possession, and her father and mother were, 
in a measure, her guests, of course it was fit that she 
should discard many of their old fashioned notions, furni- 
ture and regulations under the new formula heralded in 
with bridal form§. 

Therefore, Guy Lawrence, whether assisting his lovely 
wife in dispensing hospitality in their own home, or 
whether escorting her through the salons of some one of 
their wealthy associates, was looked upon as the special 
favorite of good fortune, while none wondered at Edith’s 
choice of so handsome and devoted a husband. 

Time wore on; Edith, with the opportunity at last of 
gratifying an insane desire to be a leader of fashion, to 
be noted, ^criticised and pronounced the most elegantly 
dressed woman of her set, gave full rein to her desire, 
and the coffers were often visited. 

With this desire gratified, and the knowledge that she 
was queen of her home without opposition, came other 
wishes and aims. 

She gave elegant receptions, frequented by the elite of 


84 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


the city, and Mrs. Guy Lawrence was known as a most 
elegant entertainer. 

As the weeks rolled into months and every ambition 
thoroughly gratified, the fear of a possible detection no 
longer haunting them, they became satiated with the 
extent of their happiness. 

Edith, as a year rolled by, and no other or better aim 
came to fill her heart, devoted herself entirely to fashion 
and its votaries, and soon it was whispered Mrs. Lawrence 
was quite the flirt, and it was not an uncommon thing to 
see her in public attended by some one of those elegant 
statues which infest every society, whose attire is fault- 
less, and who, though living exactly how no one knows 
but ever seem surfeited with time, are always ready to 
become escorts for the weak wives of business men. 

Guy Lawrence, like many another man of whom we 
wot, soon found possession a most comfortable commod- 
ity. He knew Edith was his wife, his home was hers, 
why then always hurry to it ? and he lingered at the club, 
and sometimes found it more convenient to dine at Del- 
monico’s, than to get up town in time fora family dinner. 

And then again, he often nowadays found Edith out; 
it was getting to be an old story for her, and sometimes 
when she came home, some one of her elegant gentlemen 
friends accompanied her, and they were of that cut that 
Guy found it really distasteful for him to play the agree- 
able to them. 

Thus far, there had been no actual war of words, only 
a growing indifference on the part of both. 

As the second year rolled around, this indifference, this 
seeking pleasure abroad, increased, and as Edith was sup- 
posed to be the heiress, the owner of all the wealth, it came 
to be that she felt her importance over Guy, and impressed 
others with the fact that she had lifted him to her realm. 

With one of Guy Lawrence’s spirit, and possessing the 
actual facts as he did, it’s little wonder that it was very 


85 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

distasteful to him, or that sharp recriminations passed 
between them. 

When once a couple, so closely allied as in matrimony, 
find it convenient, and fill in the time, at first devoted to 
little confidences, to a sparring of words, and flint and 
steel communion, it need scarcely be added, more con- 
genial places are soon found for their idle time. 

Guy found at the club congenial society, and other 
women with bright eyes and fair forms, who lavished 
upon him smiles and endearments, such as two years 
before he looked for in but one, but now, alas ! they were 
but a memory. 

Edith, too proud to retract, too selfish to show any feel- 
ing or annoyance, plunged deeper into the whirlpool of 
fashion and pleasure, and was known as the leader of 
gayety; none could offer one word against her fair name, 
but the slurs and inuendoes that will follow a woman who 
will be gay at any cost were not lost upon her, and with 
some of her more devoted and attentive admirers she was 
known as ** the Lawrence.” 

As she dove deeper into the maelstrom known as 
society, Guy left her more to herself; he became a thor- 
ough' club man, and lavished his money freely there; with 
new members he was thought to be a bachelor, so 
thoroughly had he become a “ club man ” of the day, and 
days and nights passed without his appearing at the Mur- 
ray Hill mansion. 

Two years had come and gone, love had died out, and 
outside the money interest that bound them each sought 
and found their pleasures and happiness outside the shrine 
they had so readily clasped hands over, only a little time 
before. 

Such breaches widen, and in but a little time neither 
noted the other’s absence, and had they been asked could 
have hardly told whether they had met the day before, or 


86 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


a week had elapsed since each had found the other within 
the temple once dedicated to their love. 

The world noted but little; so mnay hundreds live in 
the same way in New York society, that it attracts but 
little comment. 

But who shall say there were not bitter moments for 
both ? when each felt the chain that bound them, and felt 
death to the other would be such a relief. 

Edith grew beautiful in her womanhood; the many little 
artifices known to society women to enhance their natural 
charms were not lost upon her, and where she had once 
seemed elegant, she was now pronounced divine, and there 
was no lack of flatterers among the moths who fluttered 
about her to pronounce Mrs. Lawrence, the woman who 
held the purse strings magnificent, superb, queenly. 

Among the social notables who fluttered around and 
worshipped at the shrine of her beauty, was a gentleman 
from the Pacific coast, who was reported to be immensely 
wealthy, and a heavy dealer in mining stocks. 

T’was said his visit in New York was purely social, and 
he had for the time given business the go by. 

How he made his entree into the charmed circle of Mur- 
ray Hill society, who had vouched for his right by wealth 
and position to become one of the petted few, no one 
seemed able to determine ; but he held his own with those 
whom he deigned to be at all intimate, so that any minute 
inquiry was hushed with the answer: 

“ Oh, he’s all right! good, clever fellow; where’s the 
use of picking a fellow to pieces because he’s not born 
under your nose,” and in this way Eugene Meyers was 
quietly settled as one of the set. 

He was a man about thirty-five years of age, nothing 
very remarkable either in looks or appearance to distin- 
guish him from the hundreds of men who go to make up 
society and who are reputed wealthy. 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 87 

From the first he had singled Mrs. Lawrence out as a 
special target for his admiration, always respectful, never 
presuming, he had withal shown his admiration of her in 
delicate compliments and subtle flattery, together with 
a half condolence, that so beautiful a woman could be 
neglected by her husband. 

All this had its effect upon Edith, who already had 
learned to live upon flattery, and to lull the anguish that 
sometimes gnawed at her heart, as she thought of what 
might have been. 

Eugene Meyers was evidently of German descent, but 
he prided himself on his career and success in the land of 
gold, and said that for several years he had lived in, and 
identified himselt with the interests of Honolulu, and that 
the Sandwich Islands was to be his future home. 

Edith listened with growing interest to this description 
of his beautiful home in that fertile land, of the many 
improvements he had made, all with the one thought of 
the beautiful woman who should one day grace it, and 
make it all it now lacked — home. 

” And surely, Mr. Meyers, you will find no trouble in 
finding such a one in this city of beautiful ladies, you have 
no need to look many weeks,” was Edith’s answer, at an 
evening sociable, where he had again been pouring out his 
soul's needs. 

“Ah; beauties there are many, my dear Mrs. Lawrence, 
and many times, even with my knowledge of the world, 
have I been attracted by a sylph-like form, a lovely face, 
and thought, here at last my search is over, but further 
acquaintance has proven them soulless beings, and but a 
fair and painted exterior, and I had almost turned in dis- 
gust, feeling that home and wife were not for me. Latterly 
another image has taken possession of my heart,” and 
with tender, winning tones he described the woman who 
now filled and charmed his thoughts and heart. 

Edith was not slow to recognize the original of the 


88 AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

picture, and a pleasing thrill swept through her frame at 
the thought. 

Meyers saw his vantage, and sighing deeply said: 

44 Alas! after years of search she is found, but bound to 
another.” 

44 And another man calls your ideal, wife ?” she asked, 
half sadly. 

44 Such is my fate ; the only woman whom I would crave 
as wife, is not free to ask or hold,” he answered, in most 
pathetic tones. 

44 But is she bound to one she loves? Does he who calls 
her 4 wife,’ fill the measure of her love? is he her ideal?” 

44 Ah, I dare not think or answer as I might hope.” 

44 Should she, too, prove unhappy in her choice, what 
then?” 

44 What then ? If I but dared to hope that she, my 
queen, reciprocated my love, my wishes, I would fly with 
her to my far away home, and there begin a cloudless life 
of joy and love ; but ah, such bliss, 1 fear, is not for me.” 

44 But if she loved you, and would consent to go where 
you went ?” 

Meyers looked the beautiful siren in the face; was she 
but luring him on for self gratification, or was his love re 
ciprocated ? The glowing light in her eyes gave him new 
hope, and he answered: 

44 I dare not look for so much happiness, it is not 
possible it is for me.” 

44 You know the adage 4 faint heart;’ you do not know 
what height you may reach without effort,” and Edith 
looked the actress. 

44 Oh, lady fair, my heart is not faint; may I hope to 
climb, to force the citadel? You are my ideal, say, will 
you — will you be mine ? will you fly with me ? Oh, do not 
raise this hope but to crush it ! Fly with me, and in our 
island home forget those who do -not, cannot appreciate 
you, ” and in the vehemence of his passion he would have 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 89 

clasped her to his heart then and there, had not Edith, 
with the cool self-possession and regard for appearances 
that ever marked her career, felt that they might be 
noticed. 

“ Hush ! Mr. Meyers, Eugene,” she whispered, “ we 
attract attention.” 

“ May I hope ? Say one word that will quiet this tumult 
of unrest.” 

I will see you again soon.” 

“ And I may feel that I have not sued in vain ?” he 
asked, anxiously. 

She dropped her hand into his as she arose, and gave it 
a return pressure; and as she passed to the conservatory, 
gave him a look of love that spoke volumes. 

” I’ve won the day !” he said to himself, exultantly, as 
he turned away. 


CHAPTER XII. 

CAUGHT IN A TRAP. 

Neither loth, it was not many days ere Eugene Meyers 
and Edith Lawrence met again. 

If, in the meantime, Edith had let any feelings of wifely 
duty or honor intrude, they were quickly dispelled at a 
sight which met her gaze at the Fifth Avenue Theatre. 

She joined a party of friends to see a favorite play at 
this theatre; Guy she had not encountered for three days. 

Her party had not been seated five minutes, when look- 
ing over, she saw her husband enter the box opposite with 
a beautiful girl, a well-known contralto in an up-town 
church. She knew her only from seeing her in church. 

The others of her party noticed them, and turned to 
Edith expecting to see her betray emotion of anger and 


00 


AS PATFJ WOULD KAYE IT. 


surprise; but her coolness did not forsake ner, and 
speaking quietly, said: 

‘ ‘ Is not Miss Granger lovely ?” as if her being with her 
husband was the most natural thing in the world, but from 
that moment, her resolution was formed and never 
shaken. 

At the next meeting she promised Meyers to go with 
him, and in less than a week everything was in readiness. 

She placed a sufficient sum of money at her father’s 
disposal to place them above any want, and following the 
direction of Meyers, in whom she had implicit faith, she 
gave him two hundred thousand dollars to be converted 
into gold certificates for future use in the Pacific slope. 

Edith made all these preparations with the same cool, 
unwavering manner that had characterized her through 
life. 

Revenge was sweet; she knew that Guy Lawrence was 
wasting his time, money, and affections on others, and 
she determined to stab him in his tenderest point — his 
honor. Telling her parents that she was going to Califor- 
nia, and perhaps to Australia, to see what absence would 
do toward bringing about a better state of feeling, she left 
them, really exhibiting more emotion than ever before in 
her life ; but not a tremor or thought of remorse, not a 
sigh over what she was leaving behind passed over her, 
and one to have seen her drive from her door, would have 
thought she was going out for the day. She left Guy 
without a dollar of the money he had risked life to obtain 
that she might become his wife, and coolly, she at the last 
moment penciled this note: 

“ Guy: When this meets your eyes I shall be far away. 
It is hardly possible we shall ever meet again. Your 
neglect and indifference is eating my life away; there are 
others covet what you scorn, and I hope yet to be happy. 
With expanded views I shall commence life again; you 
are privileged to do the same. 


“ Edith." 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 91 

The tickets had been procured. Edith drove to the 
depot, and went immediately to the compartment secured 
for them. In a few minutes she was joined by Meyers, 
who wore a most triumphant look. 

There was but little delay; the iron horse snorted out 
his note of warning, and slowly they passed from the depot 
and steamed their way from New York. 

Street after street passed, beautiful mansions dotted the 
way, and Edith gazed after each retreating shadow with 
commingled emotions. 

It might be years, it might be forever, ere she saw her 
native city again, and one who loves New York, even as 
the Italians love their warm, sunny mother land, can im- 
agine the varied thoughts that surged through her frame. 
But she gave no sigh of regret — the future was before 
her. 

Soon the outer boundaries were reached, the streets 
became irregular, and the increased speed of the engine, 
the click of the car wheels and the fleeting objects on the 
roadside, showed that they were at last under way, as the 
engineer and fireman term it, for they think it but a snail’s 
pace getting out of the city limits.” 

In a few moments the beautiful Hudson was reached, 
and Edith seemed to get composed and settled to the jour- 
ney. 

Meyers was, of course, all attention, had provided him- 
self with a liberal collation, and choice confectionary and 
fruits helped to wear away the time, and in due time lesser 
towns having been speedily passed, Poughkeepsie was 
reached. Edith refused to go out, and Meyers brought 
her a cup of coffee — onward they speed, and the good old 
sleepy capital was soon before them. 

Here Meyers insisted that Edith should partake of din- 
ner, but she was firm in her refusal to leave the compart- 
ment, and remained there, while he went out, and select- 
ing such dainties as he thought she might-fancy, returned 


<)2 AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

to her with them just as the train was moving out of the 
depot. 

Edith was quietly brilliant; a pleasing conversation was 
kept up, Meyers reminding her after that he should not 
dare to close his eyes for fear it would prove but a dream 
at awaking ; that such happiness could be his seemed 
hardly possible. 

Then he pictured to her the beauties of California, its 
lovely climate, its paradise of fruits and flowers, and 
promised her that they would stay there until satisfied 
with its beauties, and then set sail for their own home in 
Honolulu. 

“There, my dear Edith, secure in our own home, free 
from fear of intrusion, and surrounded by luxuries known 
only to that island, with dusky attendants to do our 
slightest bidding, we will create a paradise never seen 
or known since Eden’s days. Oh, darling ! to think that I 
am thus blessed — that you, whom I worship, favored my 
suit.” 

“And what would you have done had I proved ad- 
verse, turned a cold ear to your entreaties ?’’ 

“ Done ? I should have left New York at once and for- 
ever. No other image could have filled my heart, after 
knowing and loving you; I should have concluded that 
love, wife, happiness, was not for me, and resolved to 
seclude myself in my island home, seeking such recreation 
as comes to a lonely man of wealth.’’ 

“Have you no kindred, Eugene ? No one to lov 2 you, 
to cheer you in your dark hours, no one belonging to you 
in Honolulu?’’ 

“ Not only no one there, dearest, but no one in the 
world, that I am aware of. Our family were an old French 
family, and my father told me, when a boy, 4 I was the 
last noble descendant of our race.’ I have valuable heir- 
looms, old plate, rare china, jewels and costly gems, 
which have descended through our house for generations 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 93 

’Tis said the women of our race were beautiful! All 
these will be yours now, Edith, and never have they 
graced fairer face or form,” and he kissed her rapturously. 

“ Oh, my love, we will — we must be happy. Are you 
sure, dearest, no lingering thought of home, no spark of 
love for him you have called husband, will make you regret 
taking this step ?” 

“ Pray do not think me a child. I weighed well the 
step ere taking it; prove to me the kind and affectionate 
lover always that you have thus far, and you will find me 
no puling girl, sighing after what might have been.” 

” You do not doubt me, darling, you do not think I 
could ever love you less than now ?” 

“ I shall not doubt you; I have put my all in your 
hands, is not that trust sufficient ? Should you fail me, 

shauld your love grow cold with passion I but I will 

not suppose the case, 4 sufficient for the day is the evil 
thereof,’ if that day comes.” Edith spoke not another 
word, but her countenance spoke volumes, as if the man 
but little knew the nature he had to deal with 

And they were speeding on — on, the western part of 
State was reached, the day was waning, Syracuse, Pal- 
myra, Newark, all were passed, Rochester, the Flour City, 
bounded in view. Edith seemed to have lost her timid- 
ty; perhaps she thought that distance from the city there 
was no danger of chancing upon acquaintances; at any 
rate, she consented to leave the car and partake of refresh- 
ments. They entered the Bracket House, in the rear, and 
were soon seated in the luxurious dining hall, where every- 
thing tempting was placed before them. 

“ All aboard !” the death signal to many appetites, 
sounded in their ears, happily just as they were arising 
from the table, entering the car again, they were soon 
speeding on — on, through the Genesee Valley, the garden 
of the Empire State. And as the sun set, the Lake City, 
was seen in the far distance, 


94 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


To those who have traversed this long stretch of coun- 
try, the whole length of the New York central in a light- 
ning express, but little need be said. All know that Buf- 
falo is the watchword; here travel diverges; some taking 
other cars on to the far west, others go to Niagara, others 
prefer lake travel, and many follow the Canada line from 
this point. 

Meyers and Edith were ticketed through without 
change, and as they reached Buffalo the porter entered to 
change the luxurious saloons into sleeping apartments; 
soft, velvet cushioned ottomans were speedily transformed 
into beds, and in but little time the whole scene was 
changed for repose. 

As the porter neared their compartment, Meyers, kiss- 
ing Edith’s hand, said: 

“ I will go forward, dearest, to the smoking-car while 
this is being arranged; don’t sit up, you must be very 
much fatigued, and you must not give out on our first 
day’s journeying; promise me you will get to bed as soon 
as possible.” 

“ I will, my dear, for I must own the last few days of 
excitement and preparation has quite unnerved me, but I 
hope to rest well to-night, and be as bright as ever to- 
morrow.” 

” Certainly you will, and I trust every day after this 
may be brighter and sweeter, tha: no cloud may ever arise 
to cause you to regret this day.” 

” Do not speak of ‘ regrets,’ Eugene, I regret nothing, 
not even the past two years of my life, it has been so 
much of life unveiled,” said Edith, sighing. 

“ Well, here’s our man; take a seat here, love; now 
promise me you will get quiet as soon as possible,” said 
Eugene, pressing her hand in a devoted manner. 

“ It’s hardly necessary to promise. Inclination will 
take me there speedily.” 

Eugene Meyers bowed, and left the car. 


95 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

Edith was soon ready for rest. The cars were again in 
motion, Buffalo was left behind, and soon the swaying 
of the cars had lulled her to sleep. She awoke several 
times, partially, as the cars halted at some station, but 
really not enough to consult her watch, or to wonder as 
to where they were. Indeed, she seemed benumbed, 
incapable of thought, or care as to where she was, or why 
she was alone. The sunlight streamed in at her window, 
the cars were at a stand still, and she heard Cleveland 
being called on every side. 

Cleveland ? she roused, looked about her, and found 
that she had passed the night alone. Speedily arranging 
her toilet, she went into the dressing room to perform her 
necessary ablutions; all this time her mind was filled with 
wonder, and a shrinking fear of something to come. 

Returning to her compartment she found the porter 
already on duty, and her sleeping apartment had assumed 
its former appearance of a cozy saloon, 

“Did you see my husband again last night ?” she asked 
the porter. 

“ ’Scuse me, madame, was he to come back hea’ las’ 
night ?” 

“Certainly. Why? perhaps—’’ and Edith hesitated; 
she was making her affairs known to a common porter. 

4 Send the conductor to me at once. ” 

“ Certainly, ma’am,” cried the polite colored man, and 
as he turned away, he shook his head, saying: 

“ Suffin wrong there, and I know’d it las’ night, when 
I seed that man step off the car — however, it’s no business 
of mine, all I’se got to do is to ’bey orders and fetch the 
boss.” 

“ Mr. Conductor, dar is a lady in compartment D, as 
ses she wants you to come dar quick, on ’ticular busi- 
ness. ” 

“ Oh, these women are always wanting something,” 
growled the conductor, as hg stepped up to enter the car, 


96 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


“ Well, madame, what can I do for you ?” said the con- 
ductor, his voice changing to the agreeable when he 
found it was a young and fashionably dressed lady wished 
his services. 

“ My husband, you certainly remember him, conductor ? 
You took the coupons from his tickets last evening. He 
has not been here all night. I’ve not seen him since we 
left Buffalo, when he went into the smoking car to enjoy 
a cigar.” 

” I remember him, madame, but is it not strange ? I 
certainly have not seen him since. Ah, I remember his 
handing me your ticket at Buffalo, telling me you were 
quite ill, and not to disturb you until morning. I had my 
mind, though, on another lady as being the one.” 

” What can it mean ? Will you please make inquiries, 
sir?” said Edith, a slight suspicion of the truth passing 
through her mind. 

“ Certainly, I will return to you soon.” 

The conductor left the car, questioning the porter and 
brakeman on the car, and came to the conclusion the 
husband had taken French leave ; for some cause madame 
was left behind. 

” Madame, as near as I can learn, your husband left 
the car at Buffalo immediately he left you, and he in- 
quired of the brakeman which train on the track would 
take him to New York, and he immediately entered it. 
The porter also says he jumped from the platform on the 
opposite side, as he left you.” 

This was all said in as quiet and business-like a tone as 
possible, for the conductor was evidently wondering how 
any man could leave so beautiful a woman, and evidently 
a lady. 

Edith pressed her hands together for an instant, until 
the nails pierced the flesh ; a spasm of pain contracted her 
face, and then she was the calm self-reliant woman. 

” Can you tell me how soon I can take an eastern train, 


97 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

conductor? and may I ask you,” turning to the porter 
and handing him her checks for her baggage, and the 
money, “ to purchase me a ticket to New York, and get 
my baggage rechecked ?” 

All this was said in the most ordinary tones. 

“You can take your seat at once, madame, in the car, 
the next train leaves in one half hour. Surely you will 
step out and have a cup of coffee ?” 

“ I will, thank you, if you will direct me to the nearest 
dining-room.” 

“ I was just going to breakfast myself, and shall be 
very glad to escort you.” 

“Thanks,” and Edith, under his protection, entered 
the dining-room. 

She ate a good breakfast, all as unconcerned as if noth- 
ing had happened. 

The conductor noticed the kindling fire in her eye, and 
vowed inwardly that he had never met with such self-con- 
trol. 

But not a word did Edith utter that she felt deserted; 
not a lisp that betrayed the resentment and dismay that 
she felt. 

Quickly finishing her breakfast, she paid for it, refus- 
ing the polite ” allow me,” of the conductor. And he 
escorted her to the train, and secured, at her request, a 
whole compartment to herself. 

The porter stood ready with her checks and ticket. 
Handing him a dollar for his services, she turned to the 
conductor, thanking him sincerely for his kindness ; she 
entered the car, and dropping the curtains around her, 
sat down to think. 

“ Deuced elegant woman !” said the conductor. “ That 
rascally German has deserted her, I’ll lay ; but holy 
pipers, didn’t she take it cool ! Another woman would 
have screamed and fainted, and had half of Cleveland 
around her, Reporters would have got a column out of 


98 AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

it. It would have been telegraphed to New York, and 
by the time she got there, there would have been a crowd 
to have seen her come in.” 

“ Deserted, boss ?” said the porter. 

“ Well, Pete, it looks like it. She said nothing, how- 
ever. Don’t get up any gossip around here about it.” 

“ Not a word, boss, but I kind ’o thought the way she 
bunged out her eyes this morning, when she asked arter 
him, dar was suffin up. Well, a man that would d’sert 
such a bully woman as that ort to go shoot hisself, that’s 
what dis nigger ses,” and Pete shook his head, dis- 
gustedly. 

Edith was traveling alone with her thoughts, and they 
were busy. What should be her first move on arriving in 
New York. To go back home, perhaps to encounter 
Guy, with the money lost, out of her power to account 
for it, was an impossibility. 

Her parents she cared nothing for, what they thought 
was of but little moment, and she knew they would not 
venture to ask her anything regarding her strange and 
unexpected change of plans. 

Edith’s mind traveled over much ground during the 
day, and when the cars rumbled into the city at ten in the 
evening, she was like some storm-tossed mariner, quite 
uncertain as to her bearings or future course. 

Taking a hack, she ordered the driver to take her to 
the Grand Central Hotel, and she quickly retired to a 
room, more humbled, chagrined, and broken than she 
had ever been before.. 

She called for a light repast, and early sought her couch, 
but not to sleep ; she tossed about, now getting up and 
moving hurriedly to and fro, with hands clasped behind 
her, then standing at the window looking out on the 
darkness of the night, which was bright compared to the 
midnight of her life at that moment. 

Such a night as she spent there alone, with no eye, as 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 99 

a barrier to conceal her misery, was never endured before 
by a forsaken, degraded, indignant woman. 

Sleep she could not, and all night long she planned 
and plotted, schemed, and resolved, what to do for restora- 
tion and revenge, until morning gloaming threw her into 
a fitful, uneasy slumber. It was a night filled with mental 
torture. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

TAKING UP BROKEN THREADS. 

The longest night must end, the darkest hour gain a 
glimmering of light. 

Morning came to Edith with sombre hue. Here in her 
native city she felt alone and desolate ; by her own hand 
she had severed every tie, broken every thread, that held 
her to home, family and society. 

How much even in this little space of time had become 
known she had no means of ascertaining. 

She sent out for the daily papers of the week ; carefully 
glancing over them, she found they, at least, had no 
4 ‘ spicy gossip, ” no “elopement in high life," and her 
spirits arose a mite at that. After partaking of a dainty 
breakfast she pondered long, and sent a messenger to 
headquarters for a trusty detective. To her surprise and 
gratification, Winship, the renowned, was sent to do her 
bidding. 

More humbled she had never been, a keener mortifica- 
tion was never endured by a high-strung, sensitive woman 
than by Edith when telling her story to the detective. 

Too well she knew prevarication was useless, a plain, 
unvarnished tale was all that would avail her, and one can 
imagine the chagrin of such a woman when obliged to 


100 AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT., 

confess that she had been outwitted by a man, and that, 
too, through her affections. Hardly had she finished her 
description of Eugene Meyers here the detective, who had 
sat listening with a keen ear, clapped his hand upon the 
table, as if he had already secured his victim, and said : 

“ I know him well, the sneak ! It’s an old game — he 
plays it well/’ 

“ But can anything be done ?** 

The detective shrugged his shoulders. 

“ How much did he get out of you ?” 

“ One hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars to the 
penny,” was Edith’s reply, and her whole face reddened 
at the thought of how very gullible an individual she was, 
and she at that moment owned herself very much of a 
woman. ‘ * I also placed most of my valuable jewelry and 
laces in his possession, for he declared his trunks were far 
more secure than mine, and he would have the valuables 
put under special care ” 

“ Ah, ha ! probably he did,” said Winship, “ by never 
taking them from the city.” 

“ Well, detective, I have told you all, is there any pros- 
pect?” 

“ How much will you give, if I return your property?” 

“Ten thousand dollars.” 

“ I will try, madame; in the meantime, I should advise 
seclusion and secresy on your part.” 

“ I would not, under any consideration, have it known 
sir, that I am in town, not only for this, but there are 
other powerful reasons why my whereabouts must be kept 
secret.” 

“ Trust me, madame, I will report to you this evening 
at nine, and hope to report progress ; at any rate, I will 
call at that hour.” 

“ Very well, sir. It will be a long day, I shall hope for 
night to bring good tidings.” 

All day Edith remained in her apartments, standing 


A8 FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


101 


oftener at the windows peeping through the blinds at the 
passers by, noticing more closely all the confusion and 
bustle on Broadway than she was wont to do, and occasion- 
ally she saw a well known face and smiled bitterly at her- 
self, a prisoner in a Broadway hotel, than striving for 
needed rest. 

Rest ? In such a whirlpool of emotions, such pent up 
anger and sorrow was she, that she gave no relaxation to 
her nerves ; on so high a tension were they strung, she 
seemed incapable of any feeling., save reinstalling herself 
in her old place, fortune, home and all — and the bitter 
thoughts that would surge through her mind were too 
humiliating, that she, a woman never conquered, who had 
lived all these years so secure in herself, so invulnerable 
to the weaknesses of her sex, she who had frowned upon 
and laughed to scorn the many foibles of women who had 
proven too weak to resist the wiles of those stronger than 
themselves, had at one turn of the wheel thrown, herself 
into a vortex from which perhaps there was no retrieve- 
ment. 

Night came, and with it, the detective. 

44 Madame, I have found him,” was his salutation. 

44 And my money and jewels ?” 

44 He has them all secure.” 

” Secure ?” 

44 Yes, secure, and defies you. So certain was he that 
you would make good your word here, to go to Califor- 
nia, he made no attempt at concealment, and I had little 
trouble to lay my hand on him — a more surprised man 
than he, when he learned my business, one would scarcely 
find, but he quickly recovered, and feeling that he has the 
advantage of you, he defies you.” 

44 He little knows me.” # 

44 There you mistake, madame. He knows your social 
relations, and believing you would part with a good share, 
if not all, rather than to be exposed, and have the 'affair 


102 AS FATE WOULI HAVE IT. 

made public gossip, he says, he will give up*all but one 
third of the money, and your diamonds.” 

“ One third ? Is the man wild ?” she asked, with sneer- 
ing emphasis. 

“ Remember, madame, I have him in my power, and if 
you but say the word can recover every cent if you wish 
the affair made public. If not, the best compromise pos- 
sible is all we can do.” 

“ Say this to Eugene Meyers,” said Edith. 

“ John Scannon, by rights, madame.” 

Edith blushed deeply at the thought of all this humilia- 
tion, but continued. 

“ Tell him I am perfectly reckless, and will have the 
whole exposed and send him to Sing Sing, rather than 
submit to such robbery, and see the effect it will have.” 

“ And I am to understand back of this, you would not 
have an expose for the whole amount ? Am I right ?” 

“ You understand the case and me, exactly — When 
may I hope to see you again ?” 

“ To-morrow morning, as early as convenient, I hold 
him for an interview to-night,” and taking his hat, the 
detective bowed himself from the room. 

Meyers was easily found ; after leaving Edith that night 
in Buffalo, he had taken the return train to New York, 
and had been absent so short a time he had really not been 
missed. Taking to his old name and down town resorts, 
he had settled down for a good time, chuckling to him- 
self that he had gained a victory over one of New York’s 
handsomest and most fashionable women, and a fortune 
at the same, time, and feeling secure in the thought that 
her pride would keep Edith away from the city, and no 
fear of exposure troubling him, he stalked boldly about to 
the surprise of his friends, who, seeing his lavish display 
of money, wondered where ” John ” had raised so big a 
stake as he evidently possessed. 

The next day brought the detective to the hotel at an 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 108 

early hour ; Edith was already up and pacing the floor with 
nervous rapidity. This confinement was to one of her 
active temperament, excruciating, and coupled with it all 
the distressing doubts regarding the future, made every 
hour a day. 

Edith could hardly wait for the door to close. Winship 
knew his man, knew that there were other criminal affairs 
that could be brought against him, that would consider- 
ably lengthen a term in States Prison, and in this way 
brought him to terms, he agreeing to give all but forty 
thousand dollars and one diamond cluster ring. This, 
after paying the detective, would return to Edith one 
hundred and twenty-five thousand, and she quickly 
accepted the terms. But is it possible for any one to im- 
agine the chagrin and deep set mortification that sur- 
rounded her, as she thought how easily and quickly she 
had been gulled out of fifty thousand dollars, and a ring 
worth seven hundred more ? 

The restoration of her property being effected, her 
thoughts turned homeward. How to reconcile herself to 
Guy was the all absorbing thought. How did her letter 
affect him ? what had been his movements since ? In what 
way could she reach him? were queries revolved again and 
again through her mind. 

As to her parents she had no fears. They would be 
only too glad at her return, and as much or little as she 
choose to tell them would suffice. 

In order to learn something of the turn affairs had 
taken there before presenting herself, she concluded to 
write a line to her mother. Securing a trusty messenger 
through the porter at the hotel, she dispatched him with 
the following note, bidding him give it to Mrs. Harvey 
in person, and await a reply : 

“Dear Mother: Did you really think I meant to 
leave you and father and go to California ? What dear old 
innocents you are, to be sure ! No— no ! I love New 


104 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


York too well ; I only wished to see how it would touch 
Guy, to pretend such a breaking up. Write me all that 
was said and done after my leaving. Be secret, return 
answer by bearer, and let no one know that I am in the 
city until I bid you. 

“ Your daughter, 

“Edith.” 

The effect on the simple old couple, whose only light 
of life was this capricious daughter, can be easily im- 
agined. The old lady cried, and Mr. Harvey snuffed, 
rubbed his hands, and undertook to tell his wife : “ Why, 
wife, I told you,” but as he could not for the life of him 
think of a thing he had “ told her ” he had to subside, by 
saying : 

“ Well — well, that’s a queer girl, anyhow.” 

Neither of them could be surprised, for Edith had 
always invented strange ways for herself, and as they had 
never gained anything by intervention, what could they 
now ? so Mrs. Harvey dried her eyes, and answered: 

“ My Darling Daughter Edith : Your father and 
I are so glad, and are even willing to be made the sub- 
jects of your maneuver, to know that you really never 
in;ended leaving us, but will soon be at home again. The 
house has been dreary enough since you went away. Guy 
came home that night, went to his room, found your note, 
came down, read it to your father and myself, and with- 
out comment went up-stairs again, packed everything be- 
longing to him, and shortly after getting a carriage, he 
left the house without a word where he was going or 
whether he should ever return. We have not seen or 
heard from, him since, and the house is sad and lonely. 
Return now, and please your father and mother.” 

Edith read the letter with varied emotions'; perhaps 
Guy had left the city, thinking it the most quiet way to 
cancel all gossip — perhaps — but no — not likely, he. had 
followed in her wake — if he had— how much did he know 
of the real events ? But \Vhy cavil, why spend useless 
moments in pondering over she knew not what ? 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT 105 

Springing to her feet, she rang the bell in so energetic 
a manner that it speedily brought a servant to the door. 

My bill and a carriage at once !” was the imperative 
order. 

“ Yes, ma’am.” 

In less than fifteen minutes Edith was in a carriage, 
and speeeding homeward to Murray Hill. 


CHAPTER XIV. 

HOME AGAIN. 

In less than an hour, Edith was at honfe, and in her 
own room. Her meeting with her parents was rapturous 
on thier part ; on hers the same cool “of course” way that 
had ever characterized her deportment. 

Telling them she was weary and travel-stained, and 
needed to go to her own room, she left them, after a few 
moments’ reunion. 

In her own room. The room that had been the scene 
of her greatest triumph, her greatest love, and now her 
greatest misery As she glanced about her. and saw all 
the evidences of Guy’s occupancy removed, and it in such 
perfect neatness and order, its very nakedness overcame 
her, already overtaxed nerves, and falling on her knees 
by the bed, she burst into a flood of scalding tears. 

Tears for Edith ! ah ! how seldom she had wept, how 
seldom had cause for grief. 

“ Oh, God !” she moaned, “ has it come to this? I 
bought love with money — I forsook home, thinking happi- 
ness was in store for me. Money has been my idol, it is 
shattered, and I am, oh, how miserable ! Dare I ask for 
forgiveness ? Is it for such as me ? No, I dare not; I 
have done everything wicked, and now that fate has turned 
against me, will I ask for pardon, sue for peace to Him 


106 AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

whom I never sought in brighter days ? No, I cannot, 
dare not. If I dared, I would die. Is there a hereafter ? 
Oh, were I sure of oblivion, I would fly to it ! I am not, 
and if I die, the dread hereafter.” 

For a long time she knelt by the bed, abject, cowardly, 
a prey to remorse. 

“ Where is Guy ? Oh, that I knew — knew how to bring 
him to me again !” and as the thought surged through 
her brain “ I may never see him again,” another flood of 
tears came to her relief, and her whole frame shook with 
the violence of her emotion. 

The storm has spent itself. Gradually the waves beat 
less savagely against her heart, and she arose to her feet, 
still bowed by the weight of the storm which had so 
recently passed over, and seating herself in a low chair, 
again she asked herself: 

" Where is Guy ?” 

Her mind ran back over her past life, over the dramatic 
events of the past two years, and down to the very day 
and hour when she now communed with herself; and what 
a dream she found it. Over the past week she would 
have fain have drawn the veil of oblivion, she could almost 
wish to blot herself from existence for that length of time, 
for she felt so debased, so demeaned, by all that had 
occurred. 

“ Where is Guy ?” she asked herself, for the third time. 
“ He drove me to this folly — wretchedness, if it must be 
called. I will not blame myself — why should he treat me 
with such indifference ? Why lavish attentions on others 
not my equals in beauty or accomplishments. But he 
shall not desert me — I’ll follow him, yes, follow him to 
death,” and she clenched her hand and closed her mouth 
as if to show the strength she would use. ” He shall not 
desert me — I am his wife ; as his wife he shall treat me, 
and as his wife, I will go where he goes, live where he 
lives. ” 


107 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

Night came, Edith had lived and endured much in the 
past few days, and as she was once more in her own room 
with her pleasant surroundings, and knew that the real 
cause of his absence was not suspected, she finally dis- 
robed, and early sought her couch. Sleep, balmy sleep, 
enfolded the weary, disappointed woman in its gentle 
arms, and she rested, as a child on its mother’s bosom. 
Happy release, when sleep, the twin of death, makes us 
oblivious to suffering, remorse, and reality. 

Morning came, sleep had done its work. Edith arose 
refreshed, collected, and determined. 

At the breakfast bell summons, she descended, meeting 
her father and mother in her grand, beautiful, queenly 
way, seating herself at the head of the table, and doing 
its duties as if there had been no break in her customs. 

Her parents looked each at the other; not a word was 
said on the subject of the recent occurrences, they know- 
ing full well, unless Edith broached the subject, t’were 
wisdom to leave it untouched. 

After breakfast, she ordered the carriage, and dressing 
herself in plain costume, she entered it, pulling the silken 
curtains down sufficiently that, while unobserved, she 
could have a good view of every object on her route, she 
drove from place to place, but finally turned homeward, 
and from the frown on her face, as she gave the “ home " 
order, it was evident her drive had been unsuccessful. 

Shortly after entering the house, she sent a servant for 
a well-known detective, of whom she had heard Guy speak 
as belonging to his club, and thoroughly a gentleman. 

About two, the detective was announced, and Edith 
speedily joined him in the parlor, looking radiantly beauti- 
ful, with no trace of the trouble through which she had 
so recently travailed. 

After exchanging necessary civilities, Edith proceeded 
at once to business. 

‘ ‘ Detective J ones, I have a very delicate matter on hand , 


108 


AS FATE WOULD UA VE IT. 


and I believe you fully capable, and most honorable to 
prosecute it, in case you will take it in hand," said she. 

“ Thanks, madame, for the confidence in the outset, I 
am yours to command. What is the nature of your busi- 
ness ?*' 

“ If I mistake not, you know my husband, Guy Law- 
rence ?" 

“ I do, indeed ; have met him within three days at the 
club." 

"That is good news ; you know of him more recently 
than I ! We have had, my dear sir, a serious misunder- 
standing. He has neglected me cruelly of late, and lav- 
ished his time, money, and I think (it must be jealousy) 
affections on others. I, thinking, to cause a reaction, 
pretended to fall in love with another man, and to have 
fled to California in his company, taking all our valuable 
property. Of course I did not go, as is self-evident. I 
made the necessary arrangements, so far as leaving the 
house, writing, announcing my intentions by letter, to 
him, and stopping away long enough to test the effect. 
He came, read my letter, removed his effects (this house, 
you, perhaps, are not aware, belongs to my parents) and 
has not been seen since. I fear, in attempting to punish 
him with his own weapons, I have over-reached myself, 
and made matters worse than before." 

" Which is too often the case, madame, in affairs of this 
kind. Time, if one only knew it, is the best course, if 
one would only bide it." 

" I see it, now it is too late, but what can I now do to 
retrieve the last situation ?" 

"You ask me? What conciliation are you willing to 
make ? what have me do ?" 

" This, if you will — meet him at your earliest conven- 
ience, tell him I am wild at the turn affairs have taken, 
that I am, have been, true. That I find retaliation of 
little effect, when love lies beyond, and I regret sincerely 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 109 

ever having written that letter, ever stooping to spite him, 
my husband.” 

“ Mrs. Lawrence, I will serve you to the best of my 
ability, but you understand how delicate a matter it is, 
and I can make no promises.” 

” But you must succeed, and that, too, without letting 
him know you are employed by me in the matter.” 

“ I must succeed, eh ? But supposing he is averse to 
even conversing on the subject, what then ?” 

” Ah ! that’s what you detective’s are for,” replied 
Edith, laughingly, “ to overcome aversion and make peo- 
ple listen ; not only listen, but be convinced. This is why 
I sent for you. I have heard so much of your tenacity to 
your subject, and your success in difficult undertakings. 
You will give the subject your personal attention, and 
not set a subordinate at it ?” 

“ I will promise that, madame, but further, time mu^t 
develop.” 

“ Oh, you will succeed ; I have the money, he is poor. 
He left the Cammon’s a long time ago, for I had suffi- 
cient and did not want him a drudge for others. I see 
my mistake now, there is always mischief for idle minds. 
It’s not too late, he must be won again to his home and 
me. He loves money too well to scorn the proffered 
reconciliation.” 

“ Mrs. Lawrence, I believe you. Such devotion will 
succeed. I espouse your cause heartily, and will com- 
mence work at once.” 

“And when can I hope for news from you, detective ?” 
she asked, eagerly. 

“ That I cannot say ; I will go to the club to-night; if 
he is there I will put out the opening feeler at once, and 
will report to you at an early day — to-morrow, if pos- 
sible.” 

*' If possible, do so. You understand the situation 
fully?” ( > — ; i 


110 


AS FATE WO VLB HAVE IT. 


“ I think, yes, at least enough to commence upon. The 
money is safe as a basis ?” 

"You understand all, I was jealously insane, smooth 
the matter as best you can ; my husband I must gain 
again, and that, too, before gossip has aught to do with 
it.” 

“ I see — I see ! Well, I will stand by you, Mrs. Law- 
rence,” and taking his hat, with a “ good-evening ” on 
his part, a bow and confident smile on Edith’s, he left 
the house. 

“Will he believe this yarn?” said Edith to herself, 
going to her room. “ Can I make him think jealous spite 
would cause me to take all this trouble ? I will, he must, 
yes, shall !” and she turned the key in the door, and sat 
down again to think. 

Think, ah ! how much Eidith had thought within the 
past ten days, and how much she wished that she had 
thought sooner, and acted more wisely. 

‘ ‘ It’s not too late yet, ’ ' said she, ‘ ‘ we will take up a new 
life, and in it live more rationally for each other ; poor 
powers, poor charms must these of mine be, if after two 
years they are incapable of wielding no influence over the 
infatuated Guy Lhawrence of two years ago,” and she 
smiled sarcastically at the bare inference of her thoughts, 
that it might be so. 


CHAPTER XV. 

MADAME MARSH AND A MIDNIGHT VISITOR AGAIN. 

Again Madame Marsh of clairvoyant memories has an 
nocturnal visitor. 

Our reader has not surely forgotten the woman of mys- 
teries ; she who by art, cunning, or dark dealing unknown 
to the many, came possessed of the secrets of so great a 
number of people. - . 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. lit 

Her location, rooms, and surroundings are the same as 
when described in an earlier chapter. We find her seated 
in the little room she fondly called her “ privacy,” and 
from her air of abandon she seemed communing with her 
thoughts. 

Dreaming, mayhap, of the past, the mysteries she had 
helped to solve, the secrets of which she had become 
mistress, and with all the ins and outs of her own check- 
ered life. 

It is nearly midnight, and madame, feeling the time 
her own, gives fancy full scope, and the panorama that 
passes her vision is wierd, startling, and many of the views 
are not very pleasant. 

A rap sounded on the outer door ; she started, gazed at 
the clock ; just twelve ! Surely none could need her at 
this hour, but it sounded again, and quite imperative ; she 
stepped forward, opened the door, and peered beyond. 
A female figure deeply veiled appeared in the dense 
darkness, broken by the inner ray of light. 

” Who is it ?” asked the seeress. 

* * One who needs your powers, who seeks you at this 
hour not from curiosity.” 

The veiled woman passed in, and the door was shut. 

“ What can I do for you at midnight, my dear ?” said 
madame, trying to infuse a cheerful tone in her query, 
though she was startled, and showed it in the tremor of 
her voice. 

** You must tell me why I am here, and what I wish to 
know — in fact, explain my trouble.” 

She seated herself, this veiled figure, and remained thus, 
with her face secluded. 

Madame took her soft, well shaped hand in hers, and 
instantly noticed a ring on the third finger ; she had seen 
it before, a tiny braid of gold, with a serpent’s head, two 
tiiy diamonds, and one emerald forming the eyes and 
mouth. 


112 


AS FATE WOl'LD II A YE IT. 


She closed her eyes, retaining the hand. Five minutes 
passed, neither spoke. The veiled woman hardly breathed, 
she was self-composed and nonimpressible. 

“ We have met before, lady/' 

“ You mistake, the powers are at fault.” 

“ Shall I revive the meeting ? If the picture is at fault, 
well and good. I give it as seen.” 

” Speak on, though you are surely mistaken.” 

“ Years have passed, perhaps ’twere better to leave the 
dim picture untouched.” 

“ I wish to see it,” said the visitor. 

“ I see a school-girl, bright, persevering, passionate ; a 
school-boy her ideal. Love casts its spell over them ; they 
love, not wisely, she has riches, he the heir to poverty. 
They marry, and in time a pledge of their stealthy love 
and marriage is given. A child is born ; the girl mother 
opens her eyes to all the future, should this be known, 
and worldliness takes the place of love. She hates, and 
tells her boy lover they must part ere their friends learn 
of their secret and its climax; that they are powerful and 
will crush out his future. He, poor, proud and ambi- 
tious, listens to her, and they agree to part. He to fly to 
a distant land, and each to resume life on a new footing, 
as man and woman. The girl and boy forever dead. 

“ When — what of him ? Does he live ?” asked the vis- 
itor, with emotion. 

” He has passed beyond my ken, is not upon the picture, 
probably dead,” she replied. 

“ The girl remains a woman now, and married again. 
She is rich, courted, beautiful.” 

“ But the child of which you speak, where is that ? Does 
it live ?” 

“ That, too, is gone from my vision. Time fades such 
pictures greatly,” was the answer. 

” But was not this child brought to you ?” 

“ It was, I remember well.” / ' 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


113 


“ And you do not know its fate ?” 

“ I gave it to parties leaving the country, they said, 
forever, and such was probably the case.” 

u Well, that is neither here nor there. What brought 
me here to-night ?” 

"To know your fate.” 

“ Fate ? No, I care not for that. What do you predict 
for me ?” 

5 ‘ Your husband is your trouble, lady, you are separ- 
ated.” 

“ Yes, but not for all time ?” she asked, eagerly. 

“ A common interest will reunite you. Love is dead on 
his part. Pride will accomplish your wishes in the mat- 
ter.” 

“ You have solved my query. Here,” and placed a bill 
in the hand of the seeress, little thinking how much her 
ungloved hand with the tell tale ring had aided to read 
her history. 

Certainly the veiled lady is no mystery to our readers. 
She left the house, walked to the corner where her car- 
riage stood in waiting for her, and was driven home. 

She entered her room, calm and unruffled, her lips were 
compressed, and when she put her hands up to unloose 
her veil, she found she had clenched her fingers so tightly 
that they were benumbed. 

Not a quiver of the breath, not a sigh told of the mis- 
sion of the night ; coolly making ready for rest, she lay 
down and slept, no thought or vision of other forms or 
faces, no baby sobs flitted across her fancy, as they would 
have done the pillow of one less conscienceless, less heart- 
less.” 

******* 

Guy Lawrence and Detective Jones met at the club. 

“ How are you, Lawrence ? You don’t look over-jolly, 
some rich relation died and forgot to mention you in the 
will, hey?” and the jolly detective laughed merrily. 


114 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


Guy tried to laugh funnily, but it was a sickly attempt, 
and proved too great an effort, and he turned to go out. 

“So — so, Guy, that won’t do, I know what ails you; 
brace up, my boy,’’ laying his hand on Guy’s shoulder. 

“You know what’s the matter, eh? bit of shrewd 
detective work, perhaps,” said Guy, a bit sarcastic, for 
he had exchanged a word with no one regarding his 
home troubles. 

“ Well, yes, perhaps a little family upset, ha — ha! How 
is that for shrewdness ? Why, Guy, your soft yet, a few of 
these domestic spats will make a man of you. You’ll look 
at life differently after a few years.” 

“ Say, you call yourself shrewd, you’re making a donkey 
of yourself this time, and I know it,” said Guy, bitterly. 

“ I’ll bet yon a bottle of ‘the widow,’ that I do know all 
about it, come !” 

Lawrence dragged himself to the lower part of the 
room, after the detective, and showed that he felt thor- 
oughly bored, but was too indifferent to make much resist- 
ance. 

The detective dropped into a chair at one side of the 
table, Guy taking the other, and after looking at each 
other, the detective shook his head, and smiled. 

” Well, what is it, cap ? you seem to feel very funny; let 
it out, perhaps it’s inspiring, though I’ll confess I can’t 
see it.” 

“ You’re a fool, Guy, is all that’s the matter with you.” 

“ Oh ! is that all ? well, there are few men would dare 
tell me so, if you please.” 

“ You’re being made a fool of.” 

” Yes by whom, pray ?” 

” Your wife.” 

” There, drop that subject, there are some phases of 
life that even a detective has no right to intrude upon,” 
said Guy, bitterly. “I have no wife now.” 

” Pshaw ! what nonsense! a man repudiating one of the 


115 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE II. 

handsomest women in New York ; don’t give yourself 
away. ’ ’ 

“ What are you driving at ? come, out with it, if you’ve 
got anything to say.” 

“ All right. You know you’ve not been the most exem- 
plary husband of late — there — there, no use of flying up 
with me, you know.” 

*' By what right do you dare— — ” 

“ There, I know, but this is between man and man. 
You know you’ve been traveling at a fast gait, your wife 
found it out, and, naturally, got jealous.” 

“ But how do you know all this, sir?” 

*' Never mind how. I know it ; she was bound to be 
even, and played a right sharp point on you.” 

“ Sharp ? I do not understand you.” 

** Well, you got a letter, didn’t you, saying she had left, 
and hinted at somebody else having gained her affec- 
tions ?” 

” How in did you know that ?” 

“ How, why she told me.” 

“ When ? How ? do you pretend to tell me she exposed 
this herself before leaving ?” 

“ Yes, for she never went.” 

“What’s that you say — did not go? Man, you are 
wild !” 

“ I saw her this morning, could she return so soon?” 

“ This morning ? Where ?’ 

“ At your house on Murray Hill.” 

“ What say you? Saw Mrs. Lawrence this morning? 
Impassible ! aren’t you fooling?” 

“ Certainly not; she sent for me and confessed her fool- 
ishness; of course she does not wish you to know this, 
and I promised to keep it from you, that I was employed, 
but, Guy, you and I are talking, now, two men of the 
world, let’s be candid. She owns she was wild at your 
indifference, and knowing you were escorting other ladies 


116 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


around, and spending your time everwhere but with her — 
she struck this plan thinking to have a very different 
effect; she was only gone one day, and returned thor- 
oughly frightened — every thing is in your hands now, how 
will you use it ?” said the detective, blandly, yet watching 
him closely. 

Lawrence’s eyes scintillated with fire at the recital of 
this scheme. 

4 4 There is something more, whether you know it or not, 
cap; I shall find it out. I know her better than you.” 

44 Don’t you believe it; she loves you, and is thoroughly 
frightened at the thought of losing you. Look upon it as 
a jealous freak, go back and take it as such. Come, you 
and your wife have too much at stake to play so foolishly. 
Take a stand, now, and hold the stakes, after this, your- 
self.” 

44 If she chooses to put her confession on paper, and 
owns to her folly, I may be induced to go back.” 

4 4 I’ll see to that. I call this a wise resolution, and you’ll 
see it so, yet, yourself, boy. I’ve been married more 
years than you. Keep cool. Have another bottle ? All 
right, I must be off to duty. Good-night. See you again 
soon,” and the detective went out to the street. 

44 Who will be master from this time out, madame?” 
hissed Guy, as he went to the upper floor where he lodged. 

The next afternoon Guy Lawrence received a letter 
from his wife, and quite unlike any phase of her character 
hitherto known to him. 

44 Dear Guy: You used to say you loved mb because 
I was so little of the woman, had so few of the weaknesses 
of my sex, in fact, was level headed. I thought so, too, 
but when I found, or feared, I had lost your love, I lost 
my balance, and for the first and only time in my life, got 
jealous. Jealous women always do unheard of things. I 
tried for revenge, but found I was the only injured party. 
Guy, I am sorry. Coming from me you know it means 
repentant, unhappy; forgive, will you ? May I hope to 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT 117 

be reinstated, and to try, by patience, kindness, and love 
that has never died, to be again your own Edith ? Say 
yes, Guy. Let’s bury the past, and commence again to 
live for each other. 

“ Now, as always, your true wife. 

“ Edith.” 

We, who knew the real events of the past few days, 
can but open our eyes at this letter ; and yet is it not a 
piece of all the coolness that has characterized each and 
all of Edith’s movements through life, cool, unblushing 
effrontery ? 

Guy Lawrence had received the letter at his room in 
the club house. He had read and re-read it, striving to 
sift the truth from it. 

A rap sounded on the door. 

“Come in.” 

The door opened, and in walked our red-headed, loose 
scalped, wise-looking genius, Davies, the detective. 

Lawrence gave a glance, and had his mind not been so 
thoroughly filled with the letter he had just read, would 
have laughed heartily at this living apparition. 

‘ ‘ I beg pardon, I think it hardly necessary to introduce 
myself ?” 

“ Oh, no ! don’t take the trouble ; once seen, you could 
easily be remembered,” said Guy, sneeringly. 

“ Just so — just so, Mr. Lawrence, there are not so many 
men of brains in our corps that one can easily be forgot- 
ten,” ancl the brains pushed the shock of red hair up 
viciously. 

“ Well, what would you here ?” 

“ I have business with you ; are we alone, Mr. Law- 
rence ?” 

“ Business ? ha — ha — ha ! you came to me once before 
on business. Perhaps you have found a clue to the bur- 
glars again, eh?” and Guy, full of trouble as he was, 
could not refrain from laughing, as he thought of the 


118 AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

mighty quaking this detective gave him at a former meet- 
ing. 

“ Nothing of the kind ; this business, I imagine, will 
strike nearer home. You have a wife, sir ?” 

“ I believe I am thus blessed. How, pray, does that 
concern you ?” 

“ I suppose you are willing to pay for information that 
vitally effects you V' and the detective elevated his loose 
cranium in a wise manner. 

‘ ‘ Oh, certainly, when I really get anything valuable I 
pay for it.’* 

“ Exactly, just so. Did you know your wife had a 
lover, and that he had proved a rival in your affections. 
That your wife had already eloped with him?” and 
Davies’ roof almost left its socket. 

“ No, what do you mean ?” 

“ I mean as I say, Mr. Lawrence, and you have not sus- 
pected it ?” 

“ Not in any way.” 

” Well, only another added to the large list of credulous 
people a detective of any experience encounters. You 
are sure you will not be offended at my plainness of 
speech, Mr. Lawrence?” 

” Drive on, good friend, never spoil a good story on 
account of one’s feelings. I’m quite anxious to get your 
drift.” 

“ You won’t fly into a passion ? Through my subordin- 
• ates I’ve heard something of great importance to you. It 
comes home to your very roof, your hearthstone.” 

” Well, get at it.” 

” Your wife has a lover.” 

" Indeed !” 

“ He is about to supplant you.” 

“ The deuce you say !” 

** Don’t now, I beg, keep cool. A cool man is a brave 
man. You need bravery at this point.” 


119 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

And Davies looked as if a well-regulated man would 
instantly blow his brains out at such a point. 

“Yes, sir, Mrs Guy Lawrence has left to make prepar- 
ations, and will elope with this lover,” he whispered, 
mysteriously. 

“ How do you know this ?” said Guy. 

“We, detectives, never tell how we find these things 
out. It’s enough we find and squelch. I know it’s so.” 

“ Who is this man ?” 

" John Scannon is his real name.” 

“ She is about to elope with this man ? Now, see here,” 
said Guy, “ make good what you have said, or I’ll blow 
your brains out here and now,” pulling a revolver from 
his pocket, as if to suit the action to the word. 

Davies dropped his lower jaw his big eyes protruded, 
every individual hair of his loose scalp stood on end like 
quills on a frightened porcupine. He tried to speak, but 
seemed somehow to have lost his tongue somewhere in 
the open cavity of his head. 

“ You have cheekily thrust yourself into my presence 
big with outrageous slanders ; now make good what you 
have said, or this one ounce of lead shall scatter your 
two ounces of brains on yonder wall.” 

“ Oh, Lord ! don’t — don’t be so hasty ; keep your term 
per,” said Davies, trembling. 

“ Impudent pup !” said Lawrence, contemptuously 
“ It does seem too bad, though, to use so good a cartridge 
on so poor an idiot ; but give me your authority without 
further parley. Who told you this ?” 

“ Snuffly Tom,” said Davies. 

“ Who, pray, is Snuffly Tom?” 

“ One of my shadows. He knows Scannon, and seeing 
him in company with your wife, he piped him off, and fin- 
ally gave it away that he was going to elope with her, and 
that’s all I know about it. But please forgive me,” he 
said, cunningly. ^ 


120 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


“ And that is all you know?” said Lawrence. “ This 
little item of scandal has swelled you up like a huge toad 
in the sun. Now get,” said he, pointing to the door. 

“ Oh, yes ! thank you,” said Davies, sloping without an 
instant’s loss of time. 

The next moment Guy Lawrence was alone in his room. 
He stood a moment as if irresolute, and finally throwing 
himself into a chair, he said: 

“ By Jove ! there must be something in it, after all. I’ll 
bide my time, but fathom this mystery.” 


CHAPTER XVI. 

A MONEYED RECONCILIATION. 

After the summary dismissal given Davies in our last 
chapter, Guy sat down to think. 

He believed this man with big ideas and sayings not 
wholly a fool, and inferred from his former experiences 
with him, that he had not based this last detective exploit 
on fancy. 

Whatever move he made, whichever way he turned, he 
decided must be done quickly. Taking his hat he left 
the club house, and going down Broadway, entered a 
well-known gambling house, in search of some one to do 
his bidding. He found there the mail he wanted, and 
taking him aside, said: 

“ How’s business ?” 

“ Deuced bad. Why?” 

“ Will you take a job in hand for me, work it up to the 
exclusion of everything else, and that, too, as quickly as 
possible ?” 

” I will, indee ; I’m in bad luck, and if I can exclude 
that, shall be most happy.” 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT, 


121 


“Do you know Snuffiy Tom ?” 

“Otherwise Eugene Meyers, gentleman?’' said the 
gambler detective, with a laugh. “ Oh, yes ! I know him 
in either phase.” 

“ All right. Do you think you can find him ? seen him 
lately ?” 

“ Not very. He’s been playing gentleman of late, I 
think, still, if he’s in the city, I know his haunts, and can 
spot him.” 

“All right; here’s fifty dollars; get to work, find out 
everything he has been doing, and where he has been for 
the last month, at least, and report to me as early as pos- 
sible.” 

“ I’m your man,” said the gambler, putting away the 
fifty with a relieved look on his face. . 

“ Well, good-night, get to business at once, the easier 
and quicker you earn that, and fifty more, the better it 
will please me,” said Guy. 

“I’m off for an opening,” said the man, and the two 
parted. 

Guy entered a cab, merely saying to the cabbie, “ up- 
town.” 

He wished to think ere deciding his next move. 

“ Edith is deep and cold; if she has made any false step 
it’s not been done openly, her pride would prevent that. 
That she has not laid herself liable to my revenge, I’m 
not so certain, but while this is working, and I am wait- 
ing for points, I’ll appear to become reconciled, and get 
all the money I can in my own hands. Yes, I’ll see her 
to-night,” and he ordered the driver to go to — number 
on Murray Hill. 

He found Edith waiting to see him, more nervous, more 
embarrassed than ever before. 

She flew to meet him, but he was in poor humor to en- 
dure or give caresses, still he made a show of ardor, that 
he might better carry out his design* 


122 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


“ Don’t seem cold, Guy, don’t be cross to me, you can 
never know how I’ve suffered in all this foolishness that I 
thought myself strong enough to carry out. You know 
all I acknowledged in my note, I meant every syllable,” 
and Edith stood with her arms clasped around his neck, 
looking up in his face with a yearning, tearful expression. 

“ I am glad to hear you say it, Edith, and shall hope 
for better behavior,” said Guy, in a lofty tone that once 
would have aroused Edith’s greatest indignation. 

“ But I loved you so, and your indifference crazed me. 
You know, Guy, I’ve always loved you madly.” 

** Yes, and had a mad way of showing it, to my sorrow, 
often,” said he, unclasping her arms from his neck and 
seating her on a sofa, he drew near. 

“ Don’t say that, Guy, pray don’t upbraid me, forget 
and forgive the past, and let’s try equally to be happy 
again.” 

“ No, Edith, I do not say let’s try again.” 

“ Oh, Guy — Guy ! why do you say that ?” 

“ Well, the manner you have treated me has been too 
oppressive; see, for instance, in money affairs, how you 
have the money all in your own name and control, can 
you imagine another such a dolt as me in that respect ?” 

“ But I’ve never refused you money?” 

“No, but what man wants to feel he must always ask 
for his own ?” 

But, Guy, you never uttered a syllable of complaint 
about it until now.” 

“Perhaps not, but now I do, and make that the grounds 
of our reconciliation; that money shall be turned over to 
me, its rightful possessor, ’ said Guy, with much spirit. 

Edith reflected over this phase she had not dreamed of. 
She had but a small portion left, to turn it over would 
bring a demand for an explanation concerning the 
rest. 

” I’ll compromise, Guy. You shall have fifty thousand 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 128 

in your name to do as you like with. Your home is here, 
that will be carried on at my expense.” 

“ No, I must control every penny. The money is mine, 
not yours, remember.” 

“ Then my efforts for reconciliation are fruitless, I de- 
cline to negotiate further.” 

“ You refuse, eh, after all your professions?” said Guy, 
with sarcasm. 

“ I do, beyond the sum named ; I am not all inclined 
to give up all, and perhaps see it squandered on others.” 

Guy knew Edith’s firmness, and he knew by the steady 
glitter of her eye and the firm expression of her mouth 
that affairs had reached a climax; ’twas this or nothing, 
so he, after a little friendly parley, seemed to be satisfied. 

The next day the transfer was made, and Edith found 
herself comparatively poor, with but little gain in the other 
direction, for the moment Guy came in actual possession 
he grew cold, reserved, and more neglectful than ever. 

Once in possession he turned his attention to the busi- 
ness he had given to the gambler detective ; on the third 
day he received a call from him. 

“ Well, Mr. Lawrence, I’ve bagged my game.” 

” Ah, that’s well ! Have much trouble ?” 

” No. Snuff, somehow, has raised more money than 
usual, consequently he’s laying off, wearing good clothes, 
eating, smoking and drinking the best, and actually 
sports a diamond ring. It’s a lady’s ring, though.” 

“ Where is he to be found ? Can you bring about an 
interview between us, and at once?” 

” Well, yes, I think I can.” It was said rather slowly, 
for the fellow was thinking of his other fifty, and wonder- 
ing how it would affect that. 

“ Well try, and do so for to-night, the other fifty is yours 
as soon as I fasten on him !” said Guy, noticing his hesi- 
tation. 

“ All right, sir, shall I bring him here ?” 


124 


A 8 FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


“ No — no, arrange that we meet at some east side place, 
say at Parker’s, on Broadway. Will that work ?” 

“ Yes, we’ve met there before now, and I’ll manage to 
get him there about nine.” 

Guy left nothing undone ; he had a notary on hand, and 
made ready for business. 

The moment Meyers saw him he* grew white, and when 
Guy told him to follow him up-stairs to a private room, 
while striving to appear brave, his knees shook under 
him. Once in the room, Guy commenced questioning 
him, and having found out some rascally business of his 
he had it in his power to thoroughly frighten him. After 
threatening the full extent of the law upon him, he finally 
got a confession of the whole affair from him, which was 
at once properly attested, then he was allowed to go, and 
Guy was ready for revenge. 

Within a week legal papers were served on Edith warn- 
ing her that her huusband, Guy Lawrence, had com- 
menced proceedings against her for a divorce, and requir- 
ing her to make answer why such serval should not be 
granted, her answer to be filed within a certain time. 

To describe the dismay of Edith, the overwhelming 
chagrin at this unexpected change in her plans, is impos- 
sible with pen. Her brain reeled and tottered on the edge 
of insanity. 

Her mother knew it all, and for once exhibited some 
force of character ; watching her unhappy daughter 
closely, she prevented, what was twice attempted, self- 
destruction. 

She nursed her tenderly, and gradually the unhappy 
woman rallied, her natural force of character asserted 
itself, and she recovered, in a measure, mental equipoise. 

“ I will give him up,” she mused, “ he can go. The 
mistake is made, it’s mine, there is no help for it, I hum- 
bled myself for a reconciliation, lost fifty thousand dollars 
by it, and did not regain him. He can be free, I’ll not 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 125 

oppose him. I’ve more money than he, and with it pleas- 
ure can be bought. I’ll soar high, and when it’s gone," 
and the beautiful woman sighed as she thought of its tran- 
sitory stay, “ why the wave of oblivion will cover me as it 
has thousands of other queens of circumstance. He dare 
not hound me too far, for he is in my power, ah, deeply 
in my power, and I will yet make him feel it! Guy Law- 
rence, my time will come yet !” 

Days and weeks passed by, no objections were made, 
the divorce was granted, Guy and Edith were free, and 
revolving in different spheres. He, so changed that his 
earlier friends would not recognize him, passed his time 
on the road with fast companions or the congenial spirits 
ever found at the club. She did not ride the wave of 
pleasure — days, weeks, months rolled by, and she never 
entered society, and they never met. 

Her greatest fear was that “ her set ” would learn of this 
social mishap, and well she knew in this, as in other cases, 
each would have their partisans, and she did not feel 
strength to bear contumely where hitherto she had shone 
a bright, particular star. 

Society would perhaps not trouble itself over this slight 
ripple on its surface, were it not for the announcement 
that Guy Lawrence was about to wed one of the wealth- 
iest and most beautiful women in New York, herself a 
divorced wife. 

This fact, of course, reached Edith, and she resolved 
that it should not be. It seemed the necessary impetus to 
drag her from the lethargy into which she had sank 
since relinguishing society, which had for many years 
been her life. On the spur of the moment, while her in- 
dignation flamed high, she wrote the following letter: 

" Guy Lawrence: — It may be gossip, but ’tis said you 
are about to be married. It does not seem like your usual 
clearness and forethought. I allowed the divorce, for 
my pride would not let me try to chain a man that wished 


126 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


to be free, and did not care for love that had so wandered 
after false and strange gods. To all I’ve submittted, but 
unless you write and assure me this is false, the trodden 
worm will turn again, you shall spend your days in Sing 
Sing, and I shall see there is but little delay in your tran- 
sit. Forewarned is forearmed. You know to what I 
refer. Edith.” 

Guy Lawrence was in the toils. The rumor was true. 
Edith had remained so passive he had no idea of her in- 
terference. 

The shock was like a thunderbolt. What could be done ? 
Only one of two things — reconcile, or put Edith out of the 
way. It required but little tact to postpone his marriage. 

He wrote Edith, denying the report in toto , insinuating 
that a burned child dreaded the fire, his own experience 
had not been so conducive to happiness that he need rush 
into the vortex again. 

She was by no means sure of the truth of this letter, 
and was on the alert for events, watching all movements 
with her usual keenness, at the same time making no reply, 
either expressing satisfaction or doubt. 

Once she received some choice wine cakes from a well- 
known confectioner’s, “ accept from a friend,” attached 
to the handle of a dainty basket. Calling a miserable cur 
of a dog from the street, she fed him a piece. He died 
in ten minutes. The basket and contents were put under 
lock and key, and nothing said about it. 

Another time a basket of fruit and another choice con- 
fectionery were sent “ from friends.” Taking pains to 
have some of each analyzed, they were found to be strongly 
impregnated with poison. 

No remarks were made, not even her parents knew of 
these fiendish attempts upon the life of their only child. 
Edith was well convinced that it was Guy’s mode of rid- 
dance, that he might marry his second choice. 

. While all these strange events were going on in the lives 


127 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

of these two persons, Detective Jones, who had been the 
medium through which a seeming reconciliation had been 
brought about, so quickly followed by a divorce, had not 
been idle. That there was something more than married 
folk’s spleen lay at the bottom of all this strange maneuver- 
ing he had little doubt. 

He gave much attention to the great Cammon robbery 
at the time of its excitement, and had never, in his own 
mind, freed Lawrence from a complicity in it, neither 
could he get the threads together that would hold him in 
the matter. 

Since this affair he had again taken it up. He found 
that Mr. Harvey was at the time of Edith’s marriage a 
beggar in true parlance., and that after Edith and the con- 
fidential clerk were married, hundreds of thousands^had 
passed from their coffers, and that there was no legitimate 
way of their getting any considerable part of the sum they 
had spent, not to mention what they still had possession 
of. 

He also found “ Snuffly Tom ” the true facts in thetase 
of her elopement with him, and the round sum of money 
she had paid to quietly settle the affair. 

How and where did she get this money ? It hardly 
occurred to him at first that she had all the vast sum stolen 
fom the Cammons in her possession, to do with as she 
pleased, but as he canvassed the matter week after week, 
light darted in upon the darkness, and he could see how 
Lawrence, full of love and trust, had been made to con- 
fide in this artful woman, and that she really had been the 
schemer whereby the theft had been so successfully accom- 
plished. ' 

Getting all the threads in hand he decided to lay the 
matter before the Cammon firm, and find their wishes in 
the matter. 

At the time this bold and successful robbery had taken 
place, had any one, detective or citizen, offered such a 


128 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


suggestion to the firm against their trusted clerk they 
would have beeh ordered from the place instantly; but in 
the light of his subsequent career they were quite in 
union with the detective to believe him capable of almost 
anything mean and dishonorable. 

After listening to the detective’s theory, they had but 
little to say, for in the face of later events they almost 
wondered that they were so easily gulled at the time. 

“ But there is no way to fasten the affair upon him at 
this late day,” said Mr. Cammon. 

“ Only one,” said the detective, ” and that is through 
his wife that was. If he committed this robbery, Edith 
Harvey, his late wife, knows all the circumstances con- 
nected with it. As they are divorced, she is no longer his 
wife, and can be called upon to tell all she knows by you, 
which she could not do as his wife.” 

“ But she may not be willing to be used against him, 
even though she is divorced,” said Mr. Cammon. 

“•Leave that to me. Hell hath no fury like a woman 
scorned. Were you acquainted with her, as a wronged 
woman, you would not set her down as one to stop at 
trifles. God ! I have never met a woman with such fiend- 
ish points as she possesses,” said the detective, remem- 
bering his recent intercourse with her relative to her 
husband. 

"All rght, you have the advantage of us in this respect. 
Still I think — ” and turning to his son — “ Don’t you 
agree with me, that it would better to first see Mrs. Law- 
rence, and learn her feelings toward Guy, and whether it 
will pay to commence proceedings, depending upon her 
knowledge to convict ?” 

“ I think that would be best and wisest, father. There 
is no use in stirring up this matter for naught,” was his 
son’s reply. 

“ As you say, gentlemen, in that matter I must submit 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


m 


to your wishes, but I fear there is danger in delay. I 
believe in striking at headquarters,” said the detective. 

“ That, of course, is usually the better way, but in this 
case they are enemies now. This cannot certainly change 
the current of events, unless it is to make her swift for 
vengeance,” was the reply. 

“ I defer to your wishes and judgment,” and the de- 
tective took his leave. 


CHAPTER XVII. 

A TRUE WOMAN. 

Not many days after, Detective Jones managed to meet 
the late Mrs. Lawrence. He found her much changed 
from the time she had summoned him to a private confer- 
ence, and with change, the shrewdness she had exhibited 
then, had increased. 

Edith immediately suspected that he came from Guy 
Lawrence, and was as sly, cold and uncommunicative, as 
her icy nature inclined her to be, and now feeling assured 
that every word was noticed and construed to her disad- 
vantage by the wily detective for the benefit of her enemy, 
she weighed every word before speaking, and baffled him 
at every point. 

The detective soon found he was to gain nothing by 
beating around the bush, so after some little sparring at 
cross purposes, he came out and boldly informed her that 
her former husband was about to be married to the 
wealthy and fascinating woman with whom his name had 
recently been so aften coupled. 

Edith’s face turned an ashen grey. Was this man, 
then, about to dare her in her threats ? Had she lost even 
the power to frighten him ? 

The detective’s keen eye was upon her, and the effect 


130 


AS FATE WOULI HAVE IT. 


of his information was not lost upon him. Not allowing 
her to recover, he followed with his suspicions regarding 
his former conduct, and that the affair was to be fully in- 
vestigated. 

“ You, of course, do not wish to be implicated with him. 
I shall arrest him within a week, aiming to secure him 
before his marriage, that another woman may not be 
dragged down in his disgrace. And you can assist to 
change his anticipated honeymoon into solitude and a 
prison cell. Is not there revenge for you ?” 

“ For me ?” she asked, coldly. 

“ Yes. Has he not deserted you in a shameful manner ? 
And is he not to put the crowning touch on his infamous 
treatment of you by marrying another woman, in the 
same city ? Could you sit quietly and bear such ignomin- 
ous treatment, when the game of resentment and preven- 
tion is so fully in your own hand ? And surely you would 
hardly care to share his punishment, after- suffering all 
you have at his hands ?” The detective spoke rapidly and 
with earnestness, for he felt that to strike the iron while 
hot was the only safe mode of proceeding. 

“You assume that he is guilty?” 

“ I can almost swear that he is.” 

“ A.nd you intend to arrest him ?” 

“ That is my intention. I shall apply for a warrant at 
once.” 

“ But you say that my evidence is the most necessary of 
all for a conviction ?” 

“ I am so inclined to think.” 

“ Could you convict him, think you, without it ?” 

Perhaps not convict , still the circumstantial evidence 
would be so strong against you both, that it would be ruin 
to your characters and standing.” 

This is all so sudden. Will you give me time to 
think ? It has come upon me like an avalanche. Give me 
until to-morrow.” 


AS HATE WOULD HAVE IT. 131 

“ Certainly; to-day is Friday, say I will let it rest until 
Monday. Shall I call on that day ?’ ’ 

“ Give me your address, please, and I will drop you a 
line or two covering the whole matter, and my decision.” 

“ Certainly, here is my card.” 

“ And there will be no move made until Monday ?” 

” None whatever.” 

“You shall hear from me, sir, on that day,” and she 
bowed him from her presence. 

Detective Jones left her, thinking his case secure, and 
he the hero of a great victory. 

What of Edith ? She sat stunned with the emotions that 
rushed over her. Revenge was at hand, should she 
grasp it ? should Guy Lawrence be thrust into a loathsome 
prison by her hand ? Would he suffer more than he had 
made her ? Thoughts of the past, of the first happy days 
foHowed each the other with startling rapidity through 
her brain. Again she was a woman ! 

Going to her room, she sat down at her escritoire, and 
penned the following note: 

“ Guy: A detective has just left me. What think you 
was his business ? You, after all this lapse of time, are 
suspected of the Cammon robbery; or rather, the sus- 
picion has with many existed for a long time, but it’s 
only now our divorce has become known — and that through 
your contemplated marriage, — I can now be used as a 
witness against you. Only one way remains open for 
you, and that for us to marry again. The love bonds 
of old and the deep affection I still hold for you, prompts 
me to write this. As my husband , you are safe. There is 
no time to be lost, decision must be made at once. It is 
in your hands. Come to me immediately, ere it’s too late. 

“ Edith.” 

Guy Lawrence thought himself brave, that contact 
with the world, immunity from discovery for so long a 
time, his troubles with Edith, and all, had so calloused 
him that nothing could cause anything more than tempo- 
rary surprise. 


m 


AS FATE WO ELD HAVE IT. 


Had the earth parted at his feet, had a thunderbolt 
descended from a cloudless sky, he could not have been 
more astonished; more unnerved. He read the letter 
many times, and finally decided, as Edith said there was 
no time to be lost, he would see her and learn how true 
the story was. 

Their' meeting was intensely dramatic on Guy’s part, 
nervous, excited, his only thought was to get at the whole 
truth, and see if there was no' loophole of escape. 

On Edith’s, the old passionate love came with full force 
at the sight of him after so many months of separation. 

It was not long ere he was convinced of the truth of 
her letter, and of the necessity for immediate action. Self 
preservation is the first law of nature, and as no other way 
presented itself, he accepted the lesser of two evils, and 
within two hours from the time of their meeting, Guy 
Lawrence and Edith Harvey were again reunited in mar- 
riage, at the house of a clergyman to which they had 
speedily repaired. Afterward, they had a few moments 
conversation, and mutually agreed to each go their own 
way and await events. 

What a contrast to their first marriage, with all its 
attending triumph of flowers, congratulations, receptions, 
and honeymoon touring, was this the second, only con- 
summate from motives of safety. That night the following 
note was penned to Detective Jones. 

“ Sir: My decision is made after canvassing thoroughly 
your proposition of .this morning. I have concluded not 
to appear against my husband under any circumstances. 

“ Most respectfully, 

“ Edith Lawrence.” 

Detective Jones prided himself on his acuteness. He 
felt if anyone could get a matter dead to rights it was 
himself. The marriage of Guy Lawrence to Edith Har- 
vey was beyond his reckoning, and at first he thought it 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


133 


but a trick to gain time on her part and so secure the bal- 
ance of funds she had on hand. 

But a few well-timed inquiries showed him the truth of 
the matter and led him to the confession that for once in 
his life he had been outwitted by a woman. 

Yes, he, Detective Jones, that professed to understand 
woman, her foibles and stratagems, had been beaten 
beyond recovery by a woman whom he hoped to make a 
strong ally. 

There was no help for it, and going to Cammon & Son, 
he gave them the result qf their plan, which he had fol- 
lowed. They were, of course, as much astonished as he. 

“ Well, the devil succors his own, ” said old Mr. Cam- 
mon. “ Let it go, Jones, right will over-reach him yet.” 

' “ Yes, may as well drop it,” said Cammon, junior. 

“ If he had it, it must be pretty well lessened, and with the 
balance he’d fight it off from court to court, and weary 
us out with it.” 

” But justice should be appeased,” said the detective. 

.“ Justice is neither here nor there in New York. If we 
lost that sum through him, we do not care to lose an 
equal amount among lawyers and judges, not to mention 
the wear and tear of such litigation.” 

” Yes, but my professional pride has received a severe 
blow,” said the detective. 

” You’ll have to put that with our lost money, I guess. 
You’v'e been handsomely beaten. Put this among your 
reverses. ’ ’ 

“ I may have to let it rest for now, but my theory from 
the first has been the same; I’ll not say die, it may be 
years, but I will yet unravel this mystery.” 

“ Good luck to you, detective, and good-day, sir,” said 
Mr. Cammon, turning to his desk. 

Months passed on, nothing further was heard from the 
robbery. 

Guy Lawrence kept his rooms at the club house, Edith 


134 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


remained in the old house. Both were changed, sadly so. 
She consuming with an unrequited love. He, striving to 
keep down scandal, and to keep his affianced wife from 
suspecting the real cause of the delay of their marriage. 

Disappointment makes the heart sick. This lady was 
sincerely attached to Guy, and when the marriage was 
postponed for the second time, and so far as she could 
see, with so little reason, she worried, until her health 
gave way, and she was seriously ill. Her physician 
recommended change of scene, and that an ocean voy- 
age was the surest restorative at hand. 

Guy was consulted. He clutched at the mode of escape 
as a dying man at a straw. 

Urging the lady by all means to arrange her affairs for 
a lengthened stay in the old world, he promised to joirt 
her so soon as he could settle the troublesome business 
on hand — probably in six weeks, and at the farthest, three 
months. 

With this pleasure in anticipation, she settled her affairs 
and soon sailed for France, Guy promising to join her. in 
Paris. 

This settled, his next move was to rid himself of his 
real wife; here was the great trouble. She was at the 
same time his shield and tormentor, and he found himself 
pondering night and day, how he should get out of his 
dilemma. 

The thought of murder entered his breast; he had 
already tried to poison her, but had failed. He pondered 
long; could he get rid of her and immediately leave the 
country, would he not be safer than with her living and 
possessed of his secret ? 

As Mr. Cammon had said, “ the devil succors his own.” 

While thus deliberating and trying to decide which way 
was the best to turn, he came upon an account of an in- 
fernal machine with which a man had freed himself from 
a distasteful wife. Every detail of the construction of 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


135 


this diabolical machine was given, and Guy looked upon 
the whole article as written for his special benefit. 

He quickly and carefully got together the box and con- 
tents; following the direction of the read and re-read 
article carefully, it was at last completed, he taking the 
trouble to go to Albany where many of her friends resided 
to express it. It was holiday week, and would, of course 
exite but little surprise. 

The box arrived when Edith was out, and her mother, 
with the usual deference paid to Edith’s affairs, ordered it 
set on the hall table, until her return, and when she came 
her attention was at once called to it. 

“ That’s funny ! I’ve not written or heard from any of 
my Albany friends in a long time — should almost think they 
had forgotten me instead of sending me a Christmas 
box.” 

” Open it,” said her father, “ and save yourself any 
more wondering.” 

She rang the bell, and at the appearance of the waiter, 
ordered that John should come at once with chisel and 
hammer. He came, and as he raised the chisel to insert 
it in the edge of the lid, she pushed it aside, saying: 

“ Never mind, I won’t be so curious. I’ll not open it 
until Christmas morning.” 

Her word was not to be disputed — the servant bowed 
and left the room. 

“ Edith, you are too queer for anything,” said her 
mother, whose curiosity was whetted to know the con- 
tents. 

“ Mother, you are too curious for anything,” was the 
reply, as she took the box and went up to her room. 

She sat it down, and sitting down in front of it gazed 
at it as if she thought her very looks would worm its con- 
tents from their hiding. 

“ Who would send me a box from Albany ? There is not 
one there that is fond enough of me to do it.” and as she 


136 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


mused, her thoughts went back to other gifts she had 
received, and finally she took the box and, putting it in 
the trunk, locked it away from harm and curiosity. 

A week passed, and she had never looked at it, in fact, 
never even turned the key of the trunk where she had put 
it. She had made up her mind regarding it, and formed 
her course of action accordingly. 

About ten days after its reception Guy Lawrence called 
in — an indifferent habit he had of dropping in occasionally, 
as if to show his right of ownership, and yet that no par- 
ticular attraction lured him. 

There was a strange and tragical look on his face as 
Edith greeted him, which did not escape her keen detec- 
tion, but she chatted with him pleasantly on various 
topics, and finally, asked him to go up stairs to their 
room, where they had seen so much of happiness, and 
alas! so much misery and woe. 

He followed reluctantly, for why should he refuse ? still 
he was forced to feel it would result unpleasantly. 

Edith was full of life, more like her old time self than 
she had been in weeks, and after telling several minor 
things, where she had been, and whom she had seen, she 
suddenly sprang up, saying: “Oh, Guy! I have some- 
thing to show you; I received a box by express the other 
day, and punished my curiosity by waiting for you to come, 
that we might have the surprise together,” and going 
to the trunk, she took it out, at the same time, saying: 
“ It came from Albany; some of my old school girl 
friends, I suppose, are coming to the city, and thought 
they would freshen my memory of them in advance; now 
let’s have it open in a trice.” 

She turned to him, his face was as pale as death. 

“ Whatever is the matter, Guy !” she said, placing the 
box on the table, “ are you ill ?” 

“ No — a sudden faintness, that’s all.” 

“ Faint? Well, I never remember of your complaining 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 137 

of faintness before. Do you feel better?” she said, anx- 
iously. 

“Yes, I am all right now.” 

Well, then, let’s cheer up over the box; here is a chisel, 
I brought it up- a day or two ago.” 

“ Why, Edith I never saw you so childish; I don’t care 
what’s in the box, have it opened any time.” 

“ Now, pray open it. I’ve left it these many days.” 

“ No — I can’t,” he said, growing white again. 

“ Can’t ? why, you’ve only to put the chisel under the 
lid; it’s easy enough.” 

” Then why haven’t you opened it yourself before this ?” 
he aske, without, however, looking at her. 

“ Because I reserved the pleasure for you; can’t we 
have some little pleasure together, my dear?” 

” I will not open it !” and he turned away. 

” How unkind of you, Guy, to refuse me such a trifle; 
well, I am bound you shall know the contents, so I’ll 
open it myself,” going toward the box and taking up the 
chisel. 

” No — no, Edith, I must go now, I only ran in for a 
moment; I’ll see you again in a day or so,” and he went 
to the door but found it locked. 

“Are you going, love?” The query was pleasant, 
but the mockery of tone was fearful. 

“ Edith, why is this door locked ?” he asked, and his 
face was pallid. 

“ I have an important engagement this afternoon, open 
the door at once.” 

“Not until you have seen the contents of my holiday 
box.” 

“ Woman, will you open this door ? Is this a specimen of 
your boasted love ?” 

“ Certainly, to wish you to share my pleasures, ’’and she 
inserted the chisel under the lid. 

“ Edith, hold! are you mad?” he said, pulling her away. 


138 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


44 Mad! for simply wishing to open a box sent by ex- 
press? You must be the one, Guy, I never saw you 
act so strangely before. Come, now, let’s open it at 
once.” 

44 I tell you I must go. I have an appointment. I shall 
take good -care not to call again when in haste,” he said, 
angrily. 44 Come, open the door at once.” 

44 Never, until this box is opened !” she fairly hissed. 

44 My heavens ! what brought me here to-day ?” 

44 Your Nemesis, perhaps.” 

44 Edith, are you crazy? I tell you I have an appoint- 
ment.” 

44 Who with', the coroner?” 

44 Wha — what do you mean ?” 

44 1 mean as I say; I shall open this box, or send it to 
Detective Jones.” 

Guy Lawrence was livid with fear and rage, and stood 
with his hand on the knob. 

“ Shall I take this to the police, and prove to them, as 
I readily can, that you sent it to me ” 

44 Open this door, or I will strangle you !” said he, 
fiercely approacching her. 

44 Strangle me ? Why not open the box ? That would 
be the quietest way to get rid of me.” 

The mockery of her words cut him to the core of his 
guilty heart; he drew a dirk from his breast pocket, and 
sprang at her. 

But Edith was on the alert, and almost as quickly drew 
a revolver from her pocket. 

44 Take care, Guy Lawrence, two can play at this game,* 4 
she said, pointing the revolver direct at his heart. 

44 Now hold, you shall live; I would not be your mur- 
erer yet, nor would I have you mine. I’ve not eaten the 
poisoned fruit you sent me. I would not open the box, 
for I knew from whence it came. ' I am in your way, but 
you need me. Should you take my life, everything is 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE II. 


139 


prepared to prove you the culprit. I recommend you to 
coolness, and to looking upon me as your equal.” 

“ Edith, I see my mistake, I have been crazy — am 
crazy, am not responsible for my actions,” said Guy, in 
beseeching tones. 

” Do you think me charitable enough to believe it.” 

“ Pray let me go now. Another time we will talk this 
matter over.” 

” No, not until you swear you will never make any 
attempt upon my life again.” 

” Edith, I swear it. I’ve been a lunatic in this matter, 
but henceforth you are safe. Do you believe me ?” 

** I take you at your word. Now go ! But remember, 
we are important to each other yet !” and opening the 
door, Guy Lawrence skulked from it and the house, feel- 
ing fully the mean, miserable cur he had shown himself 
to be. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

MARKED FOR MISERY. 

A more miserable man than Guy Lawrence ’twere hard 
to find, or, we should say, wretched, for he felt, as he 
skulked from the door of his wife’s home with his wicked 
intentions regarding her so fully exposed, that he was less 
than man, and no punishment too severe for him. Still, 
with all this feeling of ignominy, he had no idea of sub- 
mitting to fate, or of ever living with Edith again. 

He went back to his rooms, feeling utterly wretched, 
and wondering which would be his next best move. 

Sitting down in an easy chair, and resting -his head on 
his hand, his mind passed rapidly over the past few years. 
‘ ‘ Shall I succumb ? It really seems that fate is against me. 
Everything I essay to rid myself of this image of misery 


140 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


seems to be thwarted. Why, I wonder ? Fate was a pro- 
pitious mistress. Long she smiled upon all undertak- 
ings, and made me what ? Well, perhhaps, careless ! I 
thought I was safe, after all this time, and now the skies 
are lowering; it would almost seem gathering from the 
four corners, that their fury might be concentrated for 
double force. Should it be, where would it end, and how 
would I come out of such a storm ? Oh, Edith ! why were 
we not more prudent ? why did we both, after joining 
issue such a basis, feel ourselves each capable of bearing 
our own burden ? And where are we to-day ? Sundered 
lives, wrecked fortunes, misery, and an impending 4 to 
come,’ we know not what. Why was I so rash, why so 
eager to get rich ? and why follow fortune’s beck when 
love, an amiable, unambitious wife and contentment were 
in my grasp ? why was I turned from all them for the 
dazzling show of wealth brought by crime ? Thirza Mor- 
ton, you are doubly avenged ! 

“ I will go to Mother Marsh; even her croaking is bet 
ter than communing with one’s own thoughts, when they 
are so hellish as mine,” and Guy started from the chair, 
as if thankful for the thought that had broken upon his 
dark reverie. 

Madame Marsh was soon reached, and entering the 
reception room, Guy threw himself into a chair, and 
awaited her corning. She was busy with another mys- 
terious seeker of the unknown, and as Guy sat there, he 
went over the counsel the woman had given him, and could 
but confess that much that had come to him had emanated 
from the croaking of this seeress. 

At length she was at liberty and came to him. 

” Well — well, Mr. Lawrence, you’ve come again. I 
expected you, for I was full of trouble about you in my 
dreams last night, and ” 

“ Ah, indeed ! Why should I trouble your dreams? — 
;vhat, pray, was their purport?” 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


141 


“ Mr. Lawrence, you are in trouble, no use disguising 
the matter from me.” 

I have no wish to disguise I am in trouble, can you, 
with your arts, see a way out of it ? Where’s the use of 
your powers if they are only for clear sailing ? ” 

“ Tut — tut ! Where’s the use of flying up like that?” 
She took his hand, closed her eyes. 

“ Where is your wife ? surely not dead ?” 

“ No, curse her ! better if she were.” 

“ I do not see her by your side is why I asked. Do not 
be too sure ’twere better she were dead. There is a 
magic in your two lives — sundered, there would be danger. 

” Lawrence, you are in the midst of deep difficulties, 
wave after wave of blackness is welling up in your path. 
Have you made any effort to fly from the vortex ere you 
are engulphed ?” 

She spoke earnestly and with considerable vehemence, 
as if time was precious. 

“ I know not what to do, that is why I am here. You 
must show me the way out.” 

” I cannot. You have sent an icy chill over me. I 
would rather you would leave me at once, the counteract- 
ing influence is terrible.” 

” Nonsense, woman ! that is only a subterfuge, rather 
than to allow yourself beaten.” 

“ You forget yourself, sir, and if that is your mood I 
decline a further sitting,” and the old lady dropped his 
hand, angrily. 

” Now, see here, Mother Marsh,” said Guy, sooth- 
ingly. ” You and I have known each other too long to fly 
out now; come, sit down, compose yourself, and give me 
the assistance I really require, and from no other can I 
ask it.” 

Madame Marsh seated herself again, and then said: 

“ Yes, we've been good friends, I think you have acted 
upon my advice before this; should I advise you now I 


142 


AS FATE WOULl HAVE 11. 


should say leave all, flee your country, darkness surmounts 
you. Your ambition has swallowed your better judgment, 
and to-day defeat and ignominy are yours.” 

‘ ‘ Say, rather encouragement from you has brought me 
where I am,” said Guy, bitterly. 

” Me ? Man, what mean you ?” 

“ I mean I followed your advise in marrying. And that 
brought on complications from which I cannot escape.” 

“ Have you children?” 

“ Thank Heaven, no !” he answered, and a grateful 
look passed over his face as he thought no innocent being 
was to be dragged down in his fall. 

“ Then my my advice is to leave New York at once, 
every day and every hour you stay is fraught with danger. 
Go secretly, for even your bosom friends may prove the 
defeat of your plans,” and the old lady arose tremulously, 
as if another moment spent there was fraught with danger. 

“ So bad as that?” said Guy, looking at her curiously. 

4 1 1 tell you, go — go — go ! and in brighter lands and 
fairer skies, start anew,” and lifting her hands as if in 
invocation. “ If you succeed in shoving off all that 
threatens you now, it may prove the safeguard, the warn- 
ing for the future. Good-bye, Guy Lawrence. Farewell, 
the fates tell me you and I will never meet again.” 

Guy took her hand, left a bill in it, and pressing his 
hat over his brow, he left the house. 

Where should he go ? He dared not join the woman he 
loved and had hoped to make his wife now that new 
bonds were upon him. He knew Edith well enough to 
be sure were her suspicions aroused she would follow him 
for years, and then he had too much respect for her he 
hoped to call wife, to impose himself upon her now that 
he had no legal right to do so. 

He finally determined to disguise himself, and getting 
all his effects together, go on a, voyage to China. He 
knew nothing of the Celestials, cared less, feeling that an 


AS LATE WOULD HAVE IT. 148 

utter isolation was, under the circumstances, most desir- 
able. 

Going over to the east side of town, he purchased a wig 
of fiery red hair,' whiskers and mustache to match, putting 
them in his pocket, and as it was nearly dusk, he saun- 
tered along until he came to a barber’s shop; going in, 
he found they were Germans, and unable to speak or un- 
derstand one word of English. 

He sat down and went through the pantomime that his 
hair made his head ache, and wanted all cut clean. 

Seating himself in the tonsorial chair, he soon felt that 
his teutonic employer knew his business. His hair was 
shaved close to the scalp, and both chin and lip as clean 
as a boy’s of twelve. 

Rising from the chair he submitted to the brushing of his 
clothes, and then looking in the glass, nodded his ap- 
proval of the job and departed. 

His next visit was to a lager beer saloon close by, and 
when he emerged from there, scarce one would have recog- 
nized in his frousy red mug, the good looking, black whis- 
kered Guy Lawrence. 

But who is this skulking from corner to corner, awning 
to awning ? 

It seems our brave detective, our man of brains, 
Davies, was short of a job, and being on the east side, 
just from a visit to Mrs. Leonard, whom he had been 
filling with his big intentions, stumbled upon Lawrence at 
the corner of the street. He, not thinking to meet any 
one he knew in that vicinity, had pusned his hat back 
from his brow as if to cool his fevered brain, and was 
striding along in deep and troubled thought. 

Davies spotted him, and making up his mind that 
pleasure had never brought him to that part of the city, 
thought he would follow and see what the business could 
be. Seeing him purchase a wig so much the color of his 
own hair whetted his curiosity still more, and when he 


144 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


found that his next move was a barber, he scented a large 
rat, and thought that for once he was not made in vain. 

Stationing himself near at hand he waited patiently, saw 
him rise from his seat, and come out on the street with a 
head very much like a billiard ball. 

Davies’ detective abilities were on the rise. He swelled 
with importance, and when Guy entered the lager beer 
house he even punished hirflself by not following, the first 
time on record, that he had let even a remote chance for 
a drink escape him. But he was on the scent now. 
Lawrence had given him an ignominious dismissal at 
their last meeting, and to get even with him was his chief 
object. 

Finally Lawrence emerged from the saloon in his firey 
hirsute arrangement, and going over to Fourth avenue 
took a car up-town, Davies jumping on the front platform 
to make sure of his destination. 

Here we should go back and take up a broken thread. 
Lawrence had already given up his rooms at the club 
house, to take effect the first of the month, he had pur- 
chased several trunks to b£ put in the store room, had 
given out that he was going on a tour to the “ Thousand 
Islands,” and should perhaps extend it on to the upper 
lakes. Already his traveling trunks and traps had been 
sent to the Hudson River depot, and it was only a ques- 
tion of hours when he should leave. 

He went to the depot, made minute inquiries when he 
could return from New Haven, bought a ticket for that 
city, and going to the baggage-room, had his traps 
checked the same. 

Davies had witnessed and heard it all, and as Lawrence 
went back to the waiting-room, he managed to see the 
name on the end of the trunk — it was “ Jasper Howard, 
Pekin, China.” 

He had heard and seen sufficient. Had he possessed 
the needful, he probably would have accompanied Jasper 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


145 


Howard to New Haven, but having learned his anxiety to 
return at the earliest hour on the morrow he could do so, 
he re-entered a Fourth avenue car, and made his way 
down town again. 

Suddenly a thought hit him and raised the upper part 
of his cranium perceptively. All this was a ruse, he was 
going out of the country, possibly was already booked for 
some steamer going to China on the morrow. Happy 
thought ! Going immediately on his arrival opposite the 
Astor House to the reading room, taking up a shipping 
gazette, he found, not a steamer, but the sailing vessel — 
Te Chee — was to put from port the next day at two in the 
afternoon. 

Davies was almost wild with his importance. Should 
he carry out this scheme himself, or impart it to another? 

Remembering how many times he had been kicked 
about and laughed at as a buffoon, he made up his mind 
that he would watch for Lawrence’s return in the morn- 
ing, under his disguise and false name, and then go to 
headquarters for assistance. 

He was at the depot bstimes, and taking an obscure 
position, he watched for his game. 

The usual hurry and bustle attending the arrival and 
departing of trains was gone through with. At list 
the New Haven morning express thundered into the 
depot. 

Passenger after passenger, some alone some in pairs, 
emerged to the street. Finally a man with red hair and 
whiskers, wearing blue glasses, and leaning heavily upon 
a cane, came out. Instead of fine broadcloth his suit 
was grey mixed, most suitable for travel. 

Even Davies, who was watching his game, was for the 
moment deceived, but as the stranger handed his checks 
to the hackman, and told him he was in haste to get to 

the dock, the name of which escaped him, he had 

heard enough, and taking a car, the only conveyance his 


146 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


purse afforded, he prepared to get down to Mulberry 
street as speedily as possible. 

The car had hardly gone ten blocks when, to his joy, 
Detective Jones jumped to the platform. 

Davies beckoned him to come in; Jones looked at him 
much has he would had an organ grinder invited him off 
the car to hear a tune. 

Davies went to him — “ Detective Jones, you have often 
complimented me by calling me a fool — I’ve got some- 
thing to tell you, and will tell it as I know it.” He then 
proceeded to give the details of his adventures in pursuit 
of Guy Lawrence since the night before; as he proceeded 
Detective Jones’ eyes grew larger, and he ejaculated 
occasionally: 

** The devil you say ! the scoundrel ! new dodge, eh ? 
Lamed suddenly, not a gentleman any more ? Well — well, 
guess this young man will have to stay in the city for the 
benefit of his health.” 

When Davies said he had taken a carriage direct for 
some pier, Jones waited not to hear another word. 
Jumping from the car he hailed a cab, and ordering the 
driver to go for his life to Bowling Green, he sat bolt 
upright as if that would hurry the carriage in its course. 

Davies by no means liked this hurried exit of the de- 
tective, and was inclined to think that he had been too 
precipitate in confiding in him. 

However, time was flying, and he made his way down 
town, went to a shipping agent and found where the Chi- 
nese vessel sailed from, and tien finding that he had plenty 
of time, he entered a cheap saloon and broke his fast over 
a dish of hash and cup of coffee for the first time since 
noon before. 

After strengthening himself in a cheap way, he made 
his way in the direction of — pier, and when nearly there, 
a carriage passed him; in it was Detective Jones and 
two of his assistants. 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


147 


Davie* hurried up that he might be at the taking. 

Arriving at the ship, they found everything in confusion. 
They were about ready to set sail on their long voyage. 
Clearance papers had been obtained, and only the arrival 
of che captain was waited for. 

The carriage containing the detective stopped some 
little way back, and the three sauntered down like mere 
curiosity seekers. Just as the detective had inquired for 
the captain and was receiving a reply that he was not 
there, a cab drove up and he jumped from it. 

44 Ah ” said the mate, 44 here is Captain Spooner, now,” 
and raising his hat, said: ** This gentleman was just ask- 
ing for you, sir.” 

“ Good-day. Well, what can I do for you, sir, time’s 
short, make ready there, boys,” and he lifted his hat and 
wiped his brow as if this last detention was the last straw. 

44 You take passengers out, I believe ?” 

“ Well, yes, but not at this late hour,” said he, smiling. 

44 Got any for this voyage ?” 

“ Yes, there — two Celestials, tired of ’ Melican life, 
and one invalid gentleman, who is trying an ocean voy- 
age of this sort as a last resort, I believe.” 

His name, please ?” 

” Name. Let’s see. Oh, Howard — hang me if I remem- 
ber the first one !” 

“He’s my man,” said Detectie Jones, exhibiting his 
shield. 

“Oh, ho !” said the captain, 44 that’s thek ; nd of health 
he seeks, - is it? follow me,” and he led the way to the 
cabin. 

A tap on the door was answered by a “ come ” in a 
strange, sepulchral voice; they opened the door, and 
Detective Jones stepped in. Lawrence was seated on 
the edge of his bunk; as he looked up, the detective said: 

4 4 Lawrence you are my prisoner ’ 

Guy gasped for breath, and at the same time put his 


148 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


hand behind him. Jones was none too quick; he grasped 
his arm so tightly, that the pistol dropped from his hand 
on to the floor. 

The two assistants came to his aid, and it was but the 
work of a moment to get him out on the dock, where his 
baggage had preceded him. 

Beckoning for the carriage to come nearer, the un- 
willing, wretched Guy was forced to enter with the men 
who had so interfered with his intended journey. 

As the others were getting in, a voice at the opposite 
window attracted his attention — there stood Davies, with 
his hair standing. 

He bowed, and said: “ See, Mr. Lawrence, what a 
silent man of brains can do.” 


CHAPTER XIX. 

THE EXPOSE AND END. 

It does not take long, even in so great a city as New 
York, for rumors to fly or for arrests, no matter how 
secret, to become known. 

It was soon noised about in the circle where Guy Law- 
rence had so late been a reigning favorite, that he was 
under arrest for a serious crime. 

“ What is it ?” was the general query, and many fell to 
speculating, and, of course, all agreed it was some slight 
affair that an examination and bail bonds would quickly 
drift over. 

The next morning there was the usual amount of idle 
ones drifted into court at tfie Tombs, among them, 
scarcely one of those who had a week before called Guy 
Lawrence friend. 

After some minor affairs had been disposed of, the 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


140 * 


names of “ Guy Lawrence, ” “Edith Lawrence,” were 
next cried. 

They were brought in; Edith had heard of Guy’s arrest, 
and even while lying bewildered from the news that had 
been told her, an officer called, demanded admittance, 
and she, too, was an inmate of a prison cell. 

She had the advantage of Guy in knowing they were 
to meet. He was still wondering if her keenness had not 
something to do with his arrest. 

They were brought in at one time; Edith looked twice, 
and then doubted her vision if that baldheaded, bare- 
faced, queer looking man could be her husband. 

When Guy saw Edith, he seemed for a moment turned 
to stone, and as they glanced at each other, the whole 
misery and woe of their lives seemed to pass through the 
mind of each, and each gave the other a look that said, 
“ this is your work.” 

The charge of “ Robbing of the firm of Cammon & Son ’ * 
was made against Guy, and * ‘ complicity and concealment 
of moneys known to be stolen ” against Edith. 

Both, of course, pleaded “ not guilty,” but to their 
surprise, both were remanded to jail for future action. 

It took but little time for both to find parties willing to 
go their bail on the securities they could offer, but in both 
cases bail was refused. 

Why this was, none could tell, or if any possessed the 
secret it was kept, and Edith and Guy, confined under one 
roof, but apart, could but speculate and wonder. 

Each congratulated themselves that no one knew of 
their re-marriage, and that they possessed this loophole 
of escape. 

The best counsel money could procure was had, and 
they both felt the coming trial would fall flat to the 
ground, and be quashed when it was found that the par- 
ties were man and wife. 


*150 AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

The day and hour came — a weary waiting it had been 
to both. 

The many friends who had fawned upon them and 
received favors from them in days of prosperity, were 
wofully wanting now, none had been near them, or at 
least, Guy. 

Poor old Mr. and Mrs. Harvey did all they could for 
their unhappy child, believing her, of course, innocent, 
and drawn into this vortex of shame by the miserable man 
she had called husband. Guy and Edith, with their 
counsel, again entered the court room; the two weeks of 
ignominious confinement had told upon them both, and 
neither was scarcely recognizable to those of their former 
friends who had been led hithGr by the publicity given 
the case. 

To the reader who has ever attended a trial from be- 
ginning to close, the queer workings of a court of justice 
is easily understood. To undertake to describe such pro- 
ceedings to the uninitiated would only impress them with 
a sense of immense mimicry, as the sole constituents of 
court process. 

A jury was selected, and then, in usual form, the dis- 
trict attroney opened the case by giving a history of the 
great robbery, the excitenemt it caused, the mystery in 
the case, and the subsequent developments that brought 
it home to Guy Lawrence as the real perpetrator, and the 
woman who afterward became his wife, on ceremony. 
That it could be proven that in the few years of their 
married life hundreds of thousands had passed through 
their hands, and no possible manner to be shown in which 
they came honestly by it. 

That Miss Harvey lieved with her parents in entailed 
property, and aside from that their means were limited, 
as could be proven by the gentleman himself. 

After this special opening, Mr. Harvey was the first 
witness called. The old gentleman entered the witness 


AS FATE WOULD UAVE IT. 


151 


chair, laden with grief, that hs should be call id upon to 
testify in any manner against his only child. The ques- 
tions and answers proved conclusively that no share of 
the glare and glitter that had attached to the Harvey- 
Lawrence mansion since the marriage of the daughter had 
been furnished through his purse, and he could say noth- 
ing in regard to such expenditures farther than Mr. and 
Mrs. Lawrence had been the heads and managers of the 
house since their marriage. 

Edith’s rage knew no bounds. That her father should 
dare to open his mouth against her interests, even though 
compelled to by law, seemed to her incredible, and had 
not her lawyer restrained her, she would have shown him 
the keenness of it. 

Poor Mrs. Harvey ! one look at Edith brought in as a 
prisoner was sufficient. She fell from her seat in a fit of 
apoplexy, and she never spoke again. She was caarried 
home, and died during the night. 

The next witness called was Edith herself. She hesi- 
tated; to be commanded to do anything was new to her. 
She looked at the judge upon the bench, at Guy, at her 
lawyer, half defiantly, half bewilderedly. 

Her lawyer whispered to her to go ahead, and he would 
attend to the rest. She went, was sworn, and at the first 
question put to her: 

“ What is your knowledge relative to the Cammon rob- 
bery, based upon conversations had with your husband 
previous to your marriage ?” Her lawyer bounded to his 
feet. 

“ I object to that question, your honor.” In his excite- 
ment, he spoke in the most vehement manner. 

“ And why object ?” 

“ Because, as the wife of the prisoner, this lady cannot 
testify either for or against him.” 

“ But as a former wife, divorced by law, the lady will 
make a very creditable witness,” answered the district 


152 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


attorney, while a wan smile of partial triumph was ex- 
changed between Lawrence and Edith. 

that case certainly, but my clients have very 
recently been married, as I am prepared to show by posi- 
tive proof.” 

Had a bomb burst in their midst, the effect could not 
for a moment have been more exciting. 

The lawyer exultingly handed up his proofs, and the 
babel of tongues which this little episode set in motion 
was fearful. 

Order was soon, however, restored, and the judge, ad- 
dressing the district attorney, said: ‘‘ The points are 
proven, and unless further proof is at hand, the case must 
close.” 

“ I have still another witness to prove, sir, that this 
woman is not the wife of Guy Lawrence.” 

‘‘We have positive proof that she is,” said the lawyer, 
in very pompous terms. 

‘ ‘ And we, most positive proof that she never was the 
wife of Guy Lawrence,” was the firm reply 

What was this ? Every one in the room was wild with 
excitement; the whole affair was so out of the usual range 
of court proceedings, the statues of the prisoners, the 
novelty of the case, and the large amount of money in- 
volved, seemed to whet the curiosity of all. 

” What farcical procedure is this ?” said the defendant’s 
lawyer, with a look of contempt on his face. 

‘‘ Not so farcical as you think,” was the reply. “ Harry 
Rupert, be kind enough to step this way, and take the 
stand.” 

4 ‘ Harry Rupert, who was he ? Edith Harvey’s blanched 
cheek and quivering lids revealed that to her the name 
was not altogether new. As he walked forward she saw 
before her a stout, heavy-built .man, a brow browned 
’enath torrid skies. Hair and whiskers mixed with grey. 
Her mind reverted to the rosy-cheeked, lithe, curly- 


153 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE . IT. 

headed boy of Long ago. No, they could not be the same, 
it was a trumped up tale. 

Their lawyer looked first at one and the the other. 

“ Who is he, Lawrence ?” he asked, nervously. 

“ I give you my word I never saw or heard of him be- 
fore.” 

“ Can you explain this ?” he said, turning to Edith 

ah! her face told the story, she had no power of speech, 
her lips moved but made no sound. Her eyes were 
riveted on the stranger’s face, and seemed incapable of 
turning from the vision. 

The stranger was sworn, and took the seat. 

“ Mr. Rupert, your birthplace.” 

“ Chicago, sir.” 

“ Have you ever seen the witness last in the chair, be- 
fore to-day?” 

* ‘ I am compelled to answer, yes ; that woman is my 
wife. ’ * 

“ When were you married, and where ?” 

“ We were married eleven years ago, last May the 
tenth, in Poughkeepsie, where we were both at school,” 
was the answer, in deep, solemn tones, as if pronouncing 
the doom of both. 

” Have you proof of that marriage ?” 

“ I have, sir.” 

” Is the clergyman still a resident of Poughkeepsie ?” 

“ He is, sir, though now retired and without charge.” 

“ There were no children by this marriage, Mr. 
Rupert ?” 

“ There was; I have a little daughter nearly ten years 
of age. ’ * # 

“ Will you state the circumstances of your marriage and 
separation from this woman you claim as your wife ?” 

Reader, have you gone with me through this tragic 
story, founded so nearly upon real events ? Dost remem- 
ber the^midnight ride, the visit to the seeress, the heart- 


154 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT, \ 


less resignation of the babe to stranger hands, the 
appearance of the father ready to claim and care for the 
offspring so cruelly deserted by its mother ? His avowal 
to take it far away to a foreign land, and there, proving 
both father and mother, working for it himself ? 

Dost remember the later visit of this unhappy woman 
to the seeress, when the school-girl and boy love and mar- 
riage and separation are so faithfully depicted ? 

Then you have the story as told by Harry Rupert. 
Why repeat it ? 

Every eye was riveted upon the witness as he progressed 
with his story, every heart was impressed with its truth- 
fulness. 

Edith Harvey — Lawrence no longer — had never moved 
her eyes from his face, and none could detect a sign of 
life in the statue that sat there. 

As Harry Rupert finished his story, the district attor- 
ney asked him: 

“ Mr. Rupet, can you produce the child of this union 
of yours and Edith Harvey’s in Court ?” 

Harry Rupert paled. “If necessary, sir, I can, but 
please the court, my child believes her mother dead. I 
would spared innocence contamination with guilt and 
heartlessness. Must I unveil the past to my innocent 
child ?” 

The man’s voice trembled, and tears filied his eyes. 

“ We respect your feelings as a father, Mr. Rupert, the 
child shall not be called.” 

“Thank you, sir,” was the fervent reply, and Harry 
Rupert, the boy husband of the past, the avenger of to- 
day, left the stand. 

“ Edith Harvey will take the stand,” was announced. 

The crier went to her, touched her on the arm — she 
started, and it seemed the movement broke the spell. A 
wild, startling, curdling, maniacal laugh broke the still- 
ness. It arose higher— higher, until the most unearthly 


155 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 

shrieks filled the room. Assistance was called, and Edith 
Harvey was taken back to her prison cell, a raving 
maniac. 

And what of Guy Lawrennce ? The development in 
court had stunned him, and he was taken back, wretched 
and forlorn. 

Edith became sp violent that a straight jacket was found 
necessary to keep her from doing herself violence, and at 
the time next day that she should have entered court, 
she was being removed to an asylum, pronounced hope- 
lessly insane. 

It proved to be the truth — she never spoke, but at 
intervals would break out in a shrill, mocking laugh, 
that sent every one from its sound. 

Of course this new phase stopped proceedings against 
Guy, as Edith Harvey was really the only witness that 
could convict. He was held for a year in bondage, and 
then physicians deciding there was no possible hope of 
Edith Harvey ever leaving the asylum — he was released 
on his own recognizances, through the intervention of the 
Messrs. Cammon, who felt he had indeed been sorely 
punished . 

Guy Lawrence went out again into the world, dis- 
graced, a felon, and broken both in body and spirit. He 
felt that New York was no longer a home for him, and 
speculated long where he should flee to be free from all 
reminders of the past, either in associates or contact. 

Taking up a paper a morning or two after his release 
to gain some shipping news, his eye fell upon the follow- 
ing: 

“ Married: -On Thursday, in Grace Church, by the Rev. 
Dr. Potter, Hugh Cammon, of the firm of Cammon & Son, 
to Thirza Morton, of tihs city.” 

Then followed a graphic account of the toilets, distin- 
guished people, elegant reception, floral display, and the 
departure of the happy couple on their bridal tour. 


156 


AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT. 


Guy Lawrence dropped the paper with a groan. The 
past arose all too vividly before him; he remembered his 
unmanly leave-taking of Thirza Morton. His own subse- 
quent marriage in Grace Church with all its brilliancy, and 
then picture after picture, like a moving panorama, of 
his subsequent downward career swept past him up to 
the day and hour where he sat. It seemed to him hell’s 
furies were all upon him with hated breath. He sprang 
from his chair. 

This day I leave New York, and forever !” he said 
with clenched fists. He probably did, for Guy Law- 
rence is known no more. If living, it’s under an assumed 
name. If dead, his body rests in a nameless grave. 


THE END. 



No. 

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. _ MRS. ALEX. McVElGH MILLER'S WORKS. 

1. A Dreadful Temptation . 

2. The Bride of the Tomb 

3. An Old Man’s Darling 

4. Queenie’s Terrible Secret 

5. Jaquelina 

6. Little Golden’s Daughter 

7. The Rose and the Lily 

8. Countess- Vera 

9. Bonnie Dora 

10. Guy Kenmore’s Wife 


GEORGE ELIOT’S WORKS. 

11. Janet’s Repentance 

12. Silas Marner 

13. Felix Holt, the Radical 

14. The Mill on the Floss 

15. Brother Jacob 

16. Adam Bede 

17. Romola 

18. Sad Fortunes of Rev. Amos Barton 

19. Daniel Deronda 

20. Middlemarch 

21. Mr. Gilfll’s Love Story 

22. The Spanish Gypsy 

23. Impressions of Theophrastus Such 


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MISCELLANEOUS WORKS. 


“ 24. The Two Orphans. By D’Ennery 10 

“ 25. Yolande. By William Black .T...20 

“ 26. Lady Audley’s Secret. By Miss Braddon 20 

“ 27. When the Ship Comes Home. By Besant & Rice 10 

“ 28. John Halifax, Gentleman. By Miss Mulock 20 

“ 29. In Peril of his Life By Gaboriau 20 

“ 30. The Romantic Adventures of a Milkmaid 10 

“ 31. Molly Bawn. By the Duchess 26 

“ 32. Portia. By the Duchess 20 

“ 33. Kit: a Memory. By James Payne 20 

“ 34. East Lynne. By Mrs. Henry Wood 20 

“ 35. Her Mother’s Sin. By Bertha M. Clay 10 

“ 36. A Princess of Thule. By William Black 20 

“ 37. Phyllis. By the Duchess 20 

“ 38. David Copperfleld. By Charles Dickens 20 

“ 39. Very Hard Cash. By Charles Reade 20 

“ 40. Ivanhoe. By Sir Walter Scott 20 

“ 41. Shirley. By Miss Bronte 20 

“ 42. The Last Days of Pompeii. By Bulvver Lytton 20 

“ 43. Charlotte Temple. By Miss Rowson 10 

“ 44. Dora Thorne. By Bertha M. Clay 20 

“ 45. Old Curiosity Shop. By Charles Dickens 20 

“ 46. Camille. By Alex. Dumas. Jr 10 

“ 47. The Three Guardsmen. By Alex. Dumas 20 

“ 48. Jane Eyre By Charlotte Bronte 20 

“ 49. Romance of a Poor Young Man. By Feuillet 10 

“ 50. Back to the Old Home. By Mary Cecil Hay 10 

“ 51. Maggie; or, the Loom Girl of Lowell. By William Mason Turner, M. D.20 

“52. Two Wedding Rings. By Margaret Blount 20 

“ 53. Led Astray. By Helen M. Lewis 20 

“ 54. A Woman’s Atonement. By AdahM. Howard 20 

“ 55. False. By Geraldine Fleming 20 

** 56. The Curse of Dangerfield. By Elsie Snow 20 

“ 57. Ten Years of His Life. By Eva Evergreen 20 

“ 58. A Woman’s Fault. By Evelyn Gray 20 

“ 59. Twenty Years After. By Alex. Dumas 20 

“ 60. A Queen Amongst Women and Between Two Sins. By Bertha M. Clay.20 

“61. Madolin’s Lover. By Bertha M. Clay. 20 

“ 62. Thaddeus of Warsaw. By Jane Porter 20 

“ 63. Lucile. By Owen Meredith 20 

“ 64. Charles Auchester. By E. Berger 20 

“ 65. A Strange Story. By Bulwer. . . 20 

“ 66. Aurora Floyd. By Miss Braddon 20 

“ 67. Barbara’s History. By Amelia B. Edwards 20 

“ 68. Called to Account. By Annie Thomas 20 

“ 69. Old Myddleton’s Money. By Mary Cecil Hay 20 

“ 70. Thorns and Orange Blossoms. By Bertha M. Clay. Complete 10 


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No. 71 Nicholas Nickleby. By Charles Dickens 70 cents 

“ 72. Moths; a Novel By " Ouida ” 20 “ 

“ 73. Gertrude the Governess. By William Mason Turner, M.D 20 

“ 74. Christmas Stories. By Charles Dickens 20 “ 

“ 75. The Executor By Mrs. Alexander 20 “ 

• 76. Annette. By the Author of “ Camille” 2<) 

» 77. A Sinless Crime. By Geraldine Fleming 20 “ 

•• 78. A Double Marriage. By Beatrice Collensie 20 ** 

“ 79. The Wentworth Mystery. By Watts Phillips 20 “ 

'* 80. Leola Dale’s Fortune. By Geraldine Fleming 20 “ 

•• 81. Plot and Counterplot. By the Author of “ Quadroona ” 20 “ 

82. Fair and False. By Mrs. Dale.... 20 “ 

-» 83. Out of the Streets. By Adah M. Howard 20 “ 

“ 84. Set in Diamonds. By the “ Countess ” 20 

*• 85. Who Was the Heir? By Geraldine Fleming 20 “ 

“ 86. Little Golden 20 

•• 87. Daughters of Eve. By Paul Meritt : 20 " 

•• 88. The World Between Them. By the “ Countess ” 20 “ 

»* 89. Beauty’s Marriage. By Owen Marston 20 

90. Sundered Hearts. By Adah M. Howard 20 

“ 91. A Fatal Wooing. By Laura J. Libbey 20 

*■ 92. On Iv a Girl’s Love. By Geraldine Fleming 20 “ 

»• 9S. Not to be Won. By Mrs. Lenox Bell 20 ’• 

•• 94. Merit Versus Money. By Garnett Marnell 20 •• 

" 95. Agatha. By Eva Evergreen. 20 “ 

" 96. Behind the Silver Veil. By Mrs. Dale 20 “ 

«• 9?. A Passion Flower. By the “ Countess ” , 20 *• 

“ 98. Pauline. By the author of ** Leonnette’s Secret ” 20 

“ 99. Wife or Slave. By the author of “ Not to be Won ” 20 

“ 100. A Dark Marriage Morn. By Owen Marston 20 “ 

•• 101. Dregs and Froth. By A. H. Wall 20 

« 102. For Better for Worse. By Mostyn Durward 20 “ 

103. What Love Will Do. By Annabel Gray 20 *• 

•* 104. Lover and Husband. By Owen Marston 20 “ 

M io5. As Fate Would Have It. By Evelyn Gray 20 “ 

“ 106. A Waiting Heart. By Louisa Capsadel 20 

“ 107. Doubly Wronged. By Adah M. Howard 20 " 

108. The Eyrie, ana The Mystery of a Young Girl. By Court Howard. . . .20 “ 

“ 109. Gibrielle. By Louise McCarty 20 

M 110. Sweet as a Rose. By Mostyn Durward 20 “ 


CHARLOTTE 91. STANLEY’S WORKS. 


44 111. The Shadow of a Sin 

“ 112. A Waif of the Sea 

*• 113. The Huntsford Fortune 

“ 114. The Secret of a Birth 

•* 115. Jessie Deane 

“ 116. A Golden Mask. 

*• 117. Accord and Discord 

** 118. A Death-bed Marriage. 

* 119. Hearts and Gold 

9IISCELL4NEOUS WORKS. 


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MRS. ALEX McVEIGH MILLER S WORKS. 

No. 1. A Dreadful Temptation 20 Cents. 

“ 2. The Bride of the Tomb 20 

“ 3. An Old Man’s Darling 20 

“ 4. Queeuie’s Terrible Secret 20 * 

“ 5. Jaquellna 20 “ 

'• 6. Little Golden’s Daughter 20 

“ 7. The Rose and the illy 20 

" 8. Countess Vera 20 “ 

“ 9. Bonnie Dora W. 20 ** 

“ 10. Guy Kenmore’s Wife 20 

GEORGE ELIOT'S WORKS. 

“ 11. Janet’s Repentance 10 

“ 12. Silas Marner 10 “ 

“ '8. Felix Holt, the Radical 20 

“ ' I. The Mill on the Floss 20 “ 

* 15. Brother Jacob 10 “ 

“ 16. Adam Bede ; 20 “ 

“ 17. Romola 20 “ 

“ 18. Sad Fortunes of Rev. Amos Barton 10 “ 

“ 19. Daniel Deronda 20 “ 

“ 20. Middlemarch 20 

“ 21. Mr. Gilftl’s Love Story 10 


Gypsy 20 

of Theophrastus Such 10 


“ 22. The Spanish Gj 
“ 23. Impressions < 

MISCELLANEOUS WORK*. 

“ 24. The Two Orphans. By D’Ennery 10 

“ 25. Yolande. By William Black '. 20 

26. Lady Audley’s Secret. By Miss Braddon 20 

When the Ship Comes Home. By Besant & Rice. 10 

John Halifax, Gentleman. By Miss Mulock 20 

In Peril of his Life By Gaboriau 20 

The Romantic Adventures of a Milkmaid 10 

Molly Bawn. By the Duchess 20 

Portia. By the Duchess 20 

Kit: a Memory. By James Payne 20 

East Lynne. By Mrs. Henry Wood 20 

Her Mother’s Sin. By Bertha M. Clay 10 

A Princess of Thule. By William Black 20 

Phyllis. By the Duchess 20 

David Copperfleld. By Charles Dickens 20 


27. 

28. 

29. 

30. 

31. 

32. 

33. 

34. 

35. 

36. 

37. 

38. David copperneld. By t 

39. Very Hard Cash. By Charles Reade 20 

40. Ivanhoe. By Sir Walter Scott 20 

41. Shirley. By Miss Bronte 20 

42. The Last Days of Pompeii. By Bulwer Lytton . ... 20 

43. Charlotte Temple. By Miss Rowson 10 

Dora Thorne. By Bertha M. Clay 20 

Old Curiosity Shop. By Charles Dickens 20 

Camille. By Alex. Dumas. Jr 10 

The Three Guardsmen. By Alex. Dumas 20 

Jane Eyre By Charlotte Bronte 20 

Romance of a Poor Young Man. By Feuillet 10 

Back to the Old Home. By Mary Cecil Hay 10 

Maggie; or, the Loom Girl of Lowell. By William Mason Turner, M. D.20 

Two Wedding Rings. By Margaret Blount ...20 

Led Astray. By Helen M. Lewis 20 


44. 

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' 65. 

66 . 


A Woman’s Atonement. By Adah M. Howard 

False. By Geraldine Fleming 

The Curse of Dangerfield. By Elsie Snow . 
Ten Years of His Life. By Eva Evergreen 
A Woman’s Fault. By Evelyn Gray 


20 

20 

20 

20 

20 


Twenty Years After. By Alex. Dumas 20 

A Queen Amongst Women and Between Two Sins. By Bertha M. Clay. 20 


Madolin’s Lover. By Bertha M. Clay .20 

Thaddeus of Warsaw. By Jane Porter 20 “ 

Lucile. By Owen Meredith 20 “ 

Charles Auchester. Bv E. Berger 20 “ 

A Strange Story. By Bulwer 20 “ 

Aurora Flovd. By Miss Braddon * 20 “ 

“ 67. Barbara’s History. By Amelia B. Edwards 20 “ 

“ 68. Called to Account. By Annie Thomas 20 “ 

“ 69. Old Myddleton’s Money. By Mary Cecil Hay 20 “ 

“ 70. Thorns and Orange Blossoms. By Bertha M. Clay. Complete 10 “ 

Remember that we do not charge extra for postage. Munro’s Library will be 
sent to any part of the world, single numbers for 10 cents, double numbers for 
20 cents. 

NORMAN L. MUNRO, PUBLISHER, . 

24 & 26 Vande water St., N. Y. 





























































































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